How to work with a Subject Matter Expert - Part I

Imagine this workplace scenario: you need to produce a document on a topic about which you know quite little, and you are pressed for time. To help you, your manager hires a Subject Matter Expert to research and write the document.

Brilliant! The perfect solution–until you realize you have never worked with a SME before.
If you are looking for suggestions for bringing out the best in your SME, you have come to the right place. Think of the process in four phases:

1. Sort out project details
2. Help your SME get started
3. Edit wisely (and give good feedback)
4. Finish up

Below, I examine the first phase, and promise to visit subsequent phases next week.

1. Sort out project details

It’s important to sort out the details of the project before you talk to the SME. Your SME needs to know your expectations so that they can decide if they can meet them. Be straightforward and clear. However, unless the project has a firm deadline, try to stay flexible.

Discuss deadlines

• What is your final delivery deadline? Most projects have a deadline; make sure your SME knows if this is a firm, unchangeable date.
• Give your SME a set of deadlines or negotiate them together. Deadlines include the date SME submits a first draft to you for review (allow enough time for the SME to get the writing done), and the date you finish editing their copy and send them a copy to revise.
• Leave some time for further changes and corrections before your final deadline.
• Accept that the dates may change - again, try to be flexible.

Clarify roles and expectations

• State your expectations upfront. Let the SME know what you expect from the final product: total word count, page length, topics to include (if you know of any), or anything else.
• Will you be editing the SME’s writing? If so, tell them in advance.
• Are you the project manager? Make sure your SME knows who they can talk to if they run into trouble.

I hope this advice on establishing project details with your SME was useful! Next time, we'll look closely at the next step - helping your SME start working with confidence.

Happy learning,
Fran