A Subject Matter Expert, or SME, is someone deeply versed in a particular area, process, or field, I.e., the go-to person that others can turn to for trustworthy information about a topic.
In an office, that might be a team leader or a project manager. In a factory, it might be the safety supervisor. At an elementary school, it might be an experienced teacher or a curriculum coach.
SMEs are usually easy to spot in the workplace. They are the people who are always busy answering questions, giving presentations, and solving problems. Their expertise helps make them a valuable part of the team. The same is true for SMEs who work on online and e-learning course development teams. They are the experts who ensure that the learning materials are high-quality, relevant, accurate and up to date.
Though it may seem like they know just about everything there is to know about their field, true subject matter experts won’t hesitate to acknowledge that there is always room to learn more. They are skilled at in-depth research to uncover new information. SMEs know how to find relevant source materials, and can distill the content into digestible chunks for learners.
Unlike generalists, SMEs offer profound insights and knowledge gained through extensive experience or education. Their expertise is often critical in fine-tuning the strategies that drive businesses forward, enabling organizations to navigate complex challenges with authority.
Subject Matter Experts function as the go-to authorities within their niches. They can be part of your team or external experts. Whether being an SME is part of someone’s full-time position or an aspect of their role, they will be at an expert level of knowledge in their field.
Subject matter experts help with;
In a nutshell, their day-to-day activities are as varied as their areas of expertise, ranging from strategic consulting to operational troubleshooting.
Subject Matter Experts bring a level of depth to their fields that can significantly impact decision-making processes.
For example, a 2019 survey by Deloitte found that organizations with high knowledge management capabilities, including the use of SMEs, were 3X more likely to be industry leaders in financial performance.
With their expertise, SMEs can foresee potential challenges and provide solutions or alternatives that minimize risks. They are often instrumental in compliance and quality assurance roles, ensuring that a business meets regulatory standards and industry best practices.
Having an SME on board encourages innovation by allowing businesses to confidently explore new territories. Their knowledge can foster a culture of learning and adaptation, which is crucial for businesses aiming to stay competitive.
If you’re not using your subject matter experts to develop your SOP and process documentation, you’re missing out.
Integrate SMEs in the early stages of project development to leverage their expertise for strategic planning and innovative solutions.
Use SMEs to train your workforce, enhancing the overall skill set of your employees and aligning them with the latest industry standards.
Leverage the knowledge of SMEs to create documentation and authoritative content that not only attracts but also educates your team and your audience, positioning your business as a thought leader in the industry.
Enhance your customer support by involving SMEs in creating detailed FAQs, knowledge bases, and direct support, where they can solve complex issues with authority and precision.
Make sure you follow these best practices when involving your SME’s;
The knowledge-sharing tool that centralizes all of your standard operating procedures, policies, and internal knowledge so you can better onboard, train and grow your teams.