Subject Matter Experts; To SME or not to SME

Curiosity Continuum

In this conversation, we discuss the role of subject matter experts and our frustrations with the term. We emphasize the importance of exploring new perspectives and the need to adapt skills and apply them in different contexts. We will also share personal experiences that highlight the importance of understanding customer needs and the limitations of subject matter expertise. Ultimately, we fall on the side of valuing deep level experience over subject matter expertise in most situations. Subject matter experts bring unique perspectives and knowledge to specific topics, but it's important to also explore new perspectives from people with different areas of expertise.

• Adapting skills and applying them in different contexts is crucial for innovation and problem-solving.
• Subject matter expertise should not be the sole criteria for hiring or decision-making; understanding customer needs and providing the desired results is equally important.
• Deep level experience, gained through years of practice and varied experiences, can often be more valuable than subject matter expertise.

Chapters 00:00 The Role of Subject Matter Experts 03:08 Exploring New Perspectives 05:00 Adapting Skills and Applying Them 08:22 The Frustration with Subject Matter Experts 12:13 The Importance of Context and Customer Needs 14:36 Deep Level Experience vs Subject Matter Expertise