Interviewing SMEs

In our organization, we involve the SMEs on the front end. There is always a business reason that drives every e-learning project, so it's important that they know what that reason is. Usually it's something that'll alleviate some kind of pain or problem for them, so that way it's easy for them to buy in. It's really important to frame things with their needs in mind. They will want to be part of something if it makes their job easier or smoother.

A lot of times before there's ever an interview, I'll have a brainstorming meeting with my main SMEs and the project driver/sponsor, so that they can have a part in crafting identify the learning objectives. This is also a great time to get their ideas for realistic activities or interactions that will help the learners to acquire the skills needed. So that way, when it comes time to interview them on the nuts and bolts, they're already on-board with the learning objectives and they know what kind of information I need from them. Sometimes they even prepare stuff ahead of time for me, like manuals or links that'll help shape the content.

It's not always sunshine and gummy bears, but at least it's a process that seems to work pretty well most of the time.