Last updated on Feb 26, 2024

How can you collaborate with subject matter experts to ensure technical training accuracy?

If you are a training and development professional, you know the importance of delivering accurate and relevant technical training to your learners. Technical training involves teaching specific skills or knowledge that are essential for a job, a project, or a field of study. However, designing and delivering technical training can be challenging, especially if you are not an expert in the subject matter. How can you collaborate with subject matter experts (SMEs) to ensure technical training accuracy? Here are some tips to help you.

1 Identify your SMEs

The first step is to identify who are the SMEs for your technical training topic. SMEs are people who have extensive and current knowledge and experience in the subject matter. They can be internal or external to your organization, depending on the availability and accessibility of the expertise. You can find SMEs by asking your managers, colleagues, peers, or customers for recommendations, or by searching online for publications, blogs, podcasts, or courses related to the topic.

Add your perspective

Gini von Courter

[in]structor empowering people and teams. Find my SharePoint, Power Platform, and Microsoft 365 courses on LinkedIn Learning.
Report contribution
In a past life, I developed customized training for software that clients had developed to automate their business processes. My search for SMEs began with the employees who had served as SMEs for the project. I then asked employees who were using the current (manual) process what issues they were having, and who they turned to for assistance. This let me identify who the intended users felt were experts on the process. I recruited my SME process experts to both serve as SMEs as I was developing the training pilot, but also be the first group of users trained.

Like

Unhelpful
Floralba Seijas

Especialista en Diseño y Desarrollo Personal |Coach en Fortalezas y Antifragilidad | Mentora en Proyecto de Vida | Conferencista | Diseñadora y Facilitadora en competencias | Coach especialista en Migración Humana
Report contribution
Como especialista en desarrollo personal con más de 20 años de experiencia en capacitación corporativa, trabajé como diseñadora instruccional y lo que siempre me funcionó fue reunirme con los líderes de las áreas y los expertos funcionales de los puestos clave. Para diseñar la curricula técnica del puesto y relacionarla con las necesidades técnicas de formación, lo más efectivo es la entrevista; conocer las expectativas de los colaboradores vs el curriculo, sus necesidades, las exigencias de desempeño y sobre todo escuchar sus desafíos en el puesto de trabajo según la realidad. Todo éste proceso de análisis y cercanía, nos permite ser facilitadores válidos en el proceso de desarrollo de competencias técnicas y satisfacción laboral.

Translated

Like

Unhelpful
STUART ROJAS, MBA //

MBA / Innovation Specialist ISO56002/ Learning and Development
Report contribution
Habiendo identificado las áreas temáticas, lo que sigue es encontrar fuentes de información como los líderes, supervisores y técnicos conocedores y expertos, así como fuentes digitales. La observación directa y la entrevista a esas personas nos dará los contenidos. Debemos también identificar los gaps del proceso y aquellas tareas que son más críticas y las que son más propensas al fallo.

Translated

Like

Unhelpful

2 Define your collaboration goals

The next step is to define your collaboration goals with your SMEs. What do you want to achieve by working with them? What are the specific outcomes and deliverables of your collaboration? For instance, you may wish to collaborate with SMEs to validate the learning objectives of your technical training, review and provide feedback on the content and materials, co-facilitate or guest speak in the sessions, or evaluate and improve the effectiveness and impact of your technical training. It is important to communicate your collaboration goals clearly and concisely to your SMEs, ensuring they are aligned with their expectations and availability.

Add your perspective

3 Establish your collaboration process

The third step is to establish your collaboration process with your SMEs. You should consider the frequency and mode of communication, the roles and responsibilities of each party, the timeline and milestones of the project, the tools and platforms to be used, and the feedback and recognition mechanisms. Document and agree on your collaboration process with your SMEs, and update it as needed in order to communicate, coordinate, and cooperate effectively throughout the technical training project.

Add your perspective

Brian Thomas

Learning and Development
Report contribution
Engaging with your SMEs is a touchy topic. SMEs value is on the floor supporting their teams. But, we need to download their knowledge to develop training. In my experience I have found that doing my homework helps ensure I don't waste their time. First - Understand the topic. Read Procedures, google information on the topic, whatever you can do to get a basic understanding. Second - Meet with the SME, no more than 30 minutes. Ask them questions to help learn the task/skill/knowledge. Then ask them to explain it to you like you were 5 or someone they just met on the street. Third - synthesize the information and send it for review. A follow up meeting might be warranted, but follow the the previous step.

Like

Unhelpful

4 Build your collaboration relationship

The fourth step is to build your collaboration relationship with your SMEs. It is essential to create a positive and productive bond with them by showing interest in their expertise, asking open-ended questions to understand their insights, listening actively and empathically to their feedback, incorporating their input, and expressing gratitude for their time and effort. To maintain and nurture the relationship, it is important to follow up, keep in touch, and provide updates on your technical training project. Collaboration is not only about exchanging information and resources, but also about building trust, rapport, and respect.

Add your perspective

Load more contributions

5 Evaluate and improve your collaboration

The final step is to evaluate and improve your collaboration with your SMEs. This process should be continuous and iterative, requiring constant reflection and improvement. To measure and enhance your collaboration, collect and analyze data and feedback on your technical training project. Share the results and outcomes of the project with SMEs, recognize successes, address challenges, and solicit suggestions for improvement. Furthermore, consider how to extend or expand your collaboration for future technical training projects or opportunities.

Add your perspective

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

Add your perspective

How can you collaborate with subject matter experts to ensure technical training accuracy?

1

2

3

4

5

6

1 Identify your SMEs

2 Define your collaboration goals

3 Establish your collaboration process

4 Build your collaboration relationship

5 Evaluate and improve your collaboration

6 Here’s what else to consider

Training & Development

Rate this article

Thanks for your feedback

More articles on Training & Development

More relevant reading

How can you collaborate with subject matter experts to ensure technical training accuracy?

1

2

3

4

5

6

1 Identify your SMEs

2 Define your collaboration goals

3 Establish your collaboration process

4 Build your collaboration relationship

5 Evaluate and improve your collaboration

6 Here’s what else to consider

Training & Development

Rate this article

Thanks for your feedback

Explore Other Skills