The Importance of Subject Matter Experts

A Subject Matter Expert (SME) is a professional with a deep and specialized understanding of a specific function, process, technology, machine, material, or piece of equipment. In the world of learning and development (L&D), SMEs play a pivotal role in enhancing the quality, relevance, and effectiveness of training programs. However, not all SMEs are created equal when it comes to delivering value.

A successful SME in L&D is more than just knowledgeable; they’re collaborative, communicative, and adaptable. They excel in team environments and are adept at translating their expertise into actionable insights for training initiatives. If you’re wondering whether having an SME on board could benefit your organization, let’s explore the expanded benefits of SMEs in L&D, along with some real-world data to emphasize their value.

Three Key Benefits of SMEs in Learning and Development

1. Streamlined Workflows and Organizational Knowledge Sharing

One of the most significant advantages of having an SME is their ability to organize and refine workflows. SMEs ensure that processes and information within your organization are structured to meet critical business needs. Their insights can help create systems for organizing information, managing deadlines, and maintaining deliverables, which in turn improve efficiency across the board.

Additionally, SMEs excel in knowledge transfer. They can clearly and effectively communicate complex concepts to others, empowering employees to perform their roles more efficiently. According to research by Deloitte, organizations that establish strong knowledge-sharing practices are 52% more productive and 92% more likely to innovate. SMEs play a critical role in fostering these practices, particularly when it comes to developing internal training or eLearning programs.

By acting as consultants and providing input to those creating learning materials, SMEs ensure that training content is both practical and aligned with business objectives.

2. Enhanced Content Quality and Authenticity

SMEs bring unparalleled depth to your training content. They’ve done the work, faced the challenges, and mastered their area of expertise. This hands-on experience ensures the training materials they contribute to are authentic, relatable, and highly relevant to the target audience.

However, while SMEs are fountains of knowledge, their expertise often comes with an overwhelming amount of detail. This is where collaboration with instructional designers, writers, and marketing professionals becomes essential. These team members act as translators, refining the raw insights from SMEs into digestible, engaging, and actionable training content.

This collaboration is crucial because training that lacks authenticity or relevance often fails to engage learners. A study by the Brandon Hall Group found that 71% of organizations see learner engagement as a top priority, yet only 34% feel confident in the relevance of their training programs. By leveraging the expertise of SMEs, organizations can close this gap and deliver training that resonates with employees.

3. Cost Efficiency and Project Savings

Every organization wants to minimize costs without compromising quality, and SMEs can be instrumental in achieving this balance. Their deep knowledge allows them to complete tasks more quickly, efficiently, and accurately than someone who is unfamiliar with the subject matter. By avoiding missteps, delays, and the need for excessive revisions, SMEs help projects stay on track and within budget.

Moreover, the financial impact of effective training is significant. According to ATD, companies that invest in comprehensive training programs experience 24% higher profit margins. SMEs play a direct role in shaping these high-impact programs, tailoring them to the specific needs of the organization and its audience.

Additionally, an internal SME often eliminates the need to hire costly external consultants. Their familiarity with the organization’s goals, culture, and audience enables them to provide tailored insights that reduce the need for trial-and-error approaches.

How to Maximize the Value of SMEs in L&D

While SMEs bring tremendous benefits, it’s essential to integrate them effectively into your L&D initiatives. Here are some tips to ensure you’re getting the most out of their expertise:

• Clearly Define Their Role: Ensure that SMEs understand their role within the L&D process. Are they providing input for content creation, leading training sessions, or acting as a consultant? Clarity in their responsibilities helps avoid confusion and ensures productive collaboration.
• Provide Training in Communication and Collaboration: While SMEs are experts in their field, they may not always excel at translating their knowledge for non-experts. Offering them guidance on how to communicate effectively and work within cross-functional teams can significantly improve outcomes.
• Pair Them with Skilled Instructional Designers: As mentioned earlier, instructional designers are crucial in shaping raw SME input into polished training materials. Establishing a strong partnership between these two roles can elevate the quality of your content.
• Leverage Technology for Knowledge Sharing: Tools like knowledge management systems, learning management systems (LMS), and collaboration platforms can help SMEs share their expertise more efficiently. In fact, research shows that organizations using LMS technology are 60% more likely to retain employees due to accessible and engaging training.
• Recognize and Reward Their Contributions: SMEs often juggle their primary responsibilities with their contributions to L&D. Acknowledging their efforts and highlighting their impact can motivate them to continue providing value to your organization.

The Strategic Importance of SMEs in L&D

Incorporating a Subject Matter Expert into your organization’s L&D team offers far-reaching benefits. They can streamline workflows, enhance the authenticity and depth of training content, and help you achieve cost efficiencies. But their value doesn’t end there.

SMEs are also catalysts for innovation and continuous improvement. By integrating their expertise into your learning programs, you can foster a culture of learning that empowers employees to grow, adapt, and excel. This, in turn, positions your organization to respond more effectively to industry changes and evolving business needs.

The Bottom Line

Investing in SMEs is more than just a tactical decision—it’s a strategic move that drives long-term success. By leveraging their expertise, your organization can elevate the quality of its L&D initiatives, improve employee performance, and create a more agile and innovative workplace.

Whether you’re looking to enhance training programs, improve workflows, or lower project costs, SMEs are an invaluable resource for any L&D team. With statistics showing that companies with strong learning cultures are 46% more likely to be market leaders in their industries, tapping into the potential of SMEs is a decision that pays off both in the short and long term.