I am a dissertator at the University of Wisconsin, and my research topic is on “Factors that enable collaboration between the IDD (instructional design and development) team and the subject matter expert.”  I have written a series of blog entries on the various expertise sharing factors, which I have discovered (slow drip style) can be utilized by eLearning managers.  While conducting my research, one interviewee said bluntly: “the amount of collaboration really comes down to the personality mix of team members.”   Well, yes and no.  “Personality style” and “influencing style” of the group leader(s) and team members does play a role.  But the topic of team member “style” is not specifically part of my research.   Recently, I and others at Web Courseworks have been attending UW-SBDC workshops on delegating, motivating, and leading teams.  The following are a few “take-home points” related to engaging and influencing experts.

I noticed Jane Bozarth's blog posting concerning a lively discussion on "Tips for Working with SMEs?" My blog post on handling subject matter experts back in January also seemed to stimulate discussion. I am currently working on my PhD. dissertation proposal on contributing factors to expertise-sharing between the SME and the design team. Project success depends on several factors, starting with achieving respect between the two parties. This goal is best attained through mutual understanding. The SME should be educated on the process and technicalities of interactive computer program design and execution. The development team member bonding with the SME starts with a better understanding of the types of expertise.