It all started with the BIG question on the table.
How do we work with subject matter experts in ways that build trust instead of tension?

 

Our Coffee Chat crew shared the full range of experiences—from relationships that clicked instantly to projects that felt like pulling teeth. We talked about SMEs who deliver 30-page data dumps, professors who think semester-long lectures are “online training,” and peers who guard information a little too closely. At the same time, there were stories of SMEs who leaned on trust, empathy, and shared understanding to make the process smoother for everyone.

 

The common thread running through it all was the reminder that SMEs are people first, experts second. We set expectations, try and understand their pressures, and meet them where they are. That might mean starting with a kickoff chat to build rapport, distilling walls of content into manageable pieces, or even using AI tools to simplify technical jargon. The goal isn’t to win a battle—it’s to collaborate, filter, and ultimately help them focus on what learners really need.

 

Every SME relationship looks a little different. Sometimes it’s the long game of building trust over years, and sometimes it’s about making the most of a 30-minute hallway chat. So how do we keep refining our approach to make the process easier for them—and in turn, for ourselves?

 

Stay curious!
-Shannon

 

Video

 

Chatbox

 

Transcript

 

Transcript Summary

 

Resources

 

Agile-Like Methodology 

 

Subject Matter Expert Collaboration Checklist

 

Presentation for Team Transition to LLAMA 

 

ATD’s TD at Work Guide

 

Wednesday Boosts Sign Ups

 

Books

 

Understanding and Working with Subject Matter Experts by Dean Reed

 

The Guide to Working with Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) by Michele Medved

 

Working with Smes: A Guide to Gathering and Organizing Content from Subject Matter Experts by Peggy Salvatore