Subject Matter Excellence: Steps to Assembling a High-Quality Team of Experts
Subject matter experts (SMEs) are crucial assets that determine the success of any company. It is no hidden fact that companies that are industry leaders invest heavily in acquiring top, talented subject matter experts. To survive in this ever-changing and dynamic market, subject matter experts need to offer their invaluable knowledge and experience, which is crucial for a company to meet its goals.
To hire subject matter experts, it is not only about identifying top talent but about creating a collaborative environment where these experts can execute their ideas and give a diverse perspective. Having the right balance in the team leads to innovation, better decision-making, and unlocking the true potential of any business.
This blog explores 6 fundamental steps that help in building a successful team of SMEs.
The best SMEs in today’s market are senior or retired personnel with more than 20 years of experience who have flourished in their particular field throughout their careers. So, tapping these talent pools can be beneficial for both the candidate and the company. To bridge this gap, WisdomCircle offers a wealth of untapped potential – a ready pool of retirees eagerly looking for a job after retirement to share their accumulated wisdom and expertise.
1. Identify Your Subject Matter Experts:
The first step of creating a dream team of SMEs for a business is to identify which fields require the specialised skillset of a Subject Matter Expert. A business needs to figure out what problem-solving skills are required, such as industry experience, domain knowledge, etc., to hire the right balance of SMEs for its team.
When all these pain points are identified, it paves out a clear path about the requirement, and this helps businesses to attract the right candidates for the job at hand.
2. Set Your Expectations
Being clear about your goal for hiring SMEs and having clear expectations will allow both SMEs and the company to operate on the same page. Before hiring any SME, make sure to have transparent communication.
This includes communicating their role in the team, their goals, and responsibilities. Communicating this vital information will help SMEs work as per expectations. Having a mutual understanding between both parties will increase the efficiency and productivity of the SMEs and avoid misunderstandings.
3. Communicate Regularly:
Businesses should have a clear and open channel for communication when they plan to hire subject matter experts. Regular meetings, updates, feedback sessions, and appreciation go a long way in building a sense of belonging and engagement for the team of experts.
The communication should be a 2-way street where the company addresses their expectations regularly, and the team of experts should be comfortable sharing the challenges they are facing.
This open channel of communication will help the team increase efficiency and work towards the ultimate goal of the business.
4. Involve Them in the Process:
A business should not treat their SMEs as mere consultants. They should be actively involved in the decision-making process. Organisations should utilise their deep understanding of the subject matter to inform strategies, brainstorm solutions, and anticipate potential challenges. By empowering them and valuing their opinions, a business can unlock their full potential and create a more engaged and effective team.
5. Acknowledge Their Contributions:
It is important to acknowledge and appreciate the efforts of any team member. Publicly acknowledge and appreciate the contributions of your SMEs. Celebrate their successes, highlight their expertise, and express gratitude for their dedication. This recognition fuels motivation, strengthens team morale, and attracts other talented individuals eager to contribute with their expertise.
6. Maintain the Relationship:
Establishing a top-notch group of professionals is a continuous process. Invest in fostering long-lasting connections with your SMEs. After a project is finished, stay in touch because their insightful advice may still prove to be helpful.
Conclusion:
Assembling a high-quality team of subject matter experts requires a strategic approach and commitment to fostering a collaborative and rewarding environment. By identifying the right talents, setting clear expectations, fostering open communication, actively involving them in the process, recognizing their contributions, and nurturing long-term relationships, a business can unlock the true potential of its team and empower them to achieve exceptional results.
Platforms like WisdomCircle offer a unique opportunity to access a diverse pool of retired, experienced, and skilled individuals eager to share their expertise and contribute to a business’s success. Businesses need to take advantage of this valuable resource and leverage the power of subject matter excellence to propel it forward.