6 Tactics to Successfully Work with Subject Matter Experts

When it comes to developing a learning program that is not only compelling and engaging but is highly accurate and relevant, successfully working with subject matter experts (SME) can be tricky. The tactics you use to build and preserve your relationship with the SME can mean the difference between elegant content simplicity or your learning initiative crashing into a ball of flames.

We all accept that design simplicity is critical to the exchange of knowledge. As workplace educators, our job is to help people succeed in the workplace. Our SMEs have a different role. Their role is to have complete knowledge of a topic to ensure the wheels go ’round and ’round. Their knowledge helps the organization perform at its level best.

Now enter the big question. What tactics can you use to build a relationship with your SME that is based on trust, respect, and cooperation?