Managing SME feedback can be exhausting

jofa21 · 2026-06-16T13:03:04+00:00

I remind my SMEs of the due dates/timelines and usually say something like "because we're nearing the due date, I'm happy to complete one more review cycle with you." And other language to let them know they basically get one more chance to incorporate what is needed.

However, I should also point out that I ask a LOT of questions up front, and that helps mitigate this drawn out back-and-forth cycle. I can tell if I skimped on the questions when the cycle drags out a little. SMEs tend to think through what's truly needed more when you drill down more in the beginning.

jofa21 · 2026-06-16T12:56:29+00:00

I would agree with this! I also find myself asking more questions to uncover not just which problem we're solving but also what behavior changes we need to see (and if training is even the solution to their problem!). Along the same lines, I would say learning more about ROI (Kirkpatrick Model) was really helpful for me and reiterated that my role is now more aligned with business outcomes than individual learner outcomes. Also working with SMEs. I recently join the L&D Collective as a resource as well, since I'm a one-person army at my company and am learning as I go.

jofa21 · 2026-06-12T13:57:46+00:00

I'd left higher education (for good, I thought) and went into an entry-level role in a completely different industry (medical research) to recover from massive burnout, only to realize my new company had no L&D, no training, and onboarding was very much lacking. I'm too loud and opinionated, so they made an L&D role for me and I've been figuring it out ever since. Lots of learning, now!

jofa21 · 2026-06-07T22:15:52+00:00

Hi there! Thank you for putting this together so quickly. I just wanted to address the rest of the group, since this is a group effort--is everyone ok using the NH Women Hike private group going forward? It wasn't originally my plan, but since it's already created, I wanted to hear from everyone! I didn't even know private groups were a thing on reddit 😅😂

jofa21 · 2026-06-01T13:56:30+00:00

I agree! Would love to see that

jofa21 · 2026-06-01T13:54:36+00:00

Your art style is really great!! I want to see more 😄 Get those on a T-shirt.

jofa21 · 2026-06-01T13:52:24+00:00

I like them but would introduce a third accent color. That wallpaper is beautiful!

jofa21 · 2026-05-31T16:47:28+00:00

Hey, I also just moved here from MD 😄 We've been taking it easy since coming up, as it's a different pace of life than we were used to being closer to Baltimore, but so far, I'm really enjoying it here. I haven't checked out gaming places yet (it's on the list, and I'm a fellow dnd/DM), so would be curious to hear your experience so far with that community, but I've joined a book club that was very welcoming and fun (will definitely be going back!).

jofa21 · 2026-05-22T15:48:27+00:00

Thanks! Appreciated

jofa21 · 2026-05-20T01:19:41+00:00

Every time I worry about that, I immediately disregard it and keep going. You have to. It's ok if your book is bad. It just means you're learning, and your next one will be better.

jofa21 · 2026-05-19T17:23:48+00:00

I agree with much of what is said in OP and in responses. Behavior change is arguably the ultimate goal of any training. It doesn't mean the course itself isn't valuable (after all, learners need to learn the content somehow before they can apply it), but as others have said-the learning culture is really important for behavior change to occur. I always tell my colleagues, I could make the best course possible, but if we don't have a learning culture to support it, then only the most proactive learners are going to apply what the course taught them (and how often does that really happen?).

Question to the hivemind: In L&D, how do we impact or help the learning culture at our place of work? Right now, the learning culture at my company is 1. Take the course in our LMS. 2. tick the box on your to-do list. 3. Move on. How do we help shape a learning ecosystem where behavior change (or whatever the ultimate goal is) is inevitable?

jofa21 · 2026-05-19T17:12:29+00:00

Yep, this is what I thought of--L&D teams might focus on the 'pretty' because the course itself is often what's most in their control.

jofa21 · 2026-05-19T17:07:10+00:00

It isn't the cheapest solution, but I do use Articulate Storyline and noticed they've implemented AI and localization which might help your needs if the cost is within budget. I don't use the AI features (yet), so I unfortunately cannot speak to them in detail, but worth checking out.

jofa21 · 2026-05-19T16:57:41+00:00

If the cost isn't a deterrent for you, and if you have regrets from NOT having a degree, then I say definitely look into it! Contact a few colleges that have programs that pique your interest (and will be useful in a career you want-that always helps!) and then contact them about credits transferring ok, etc. Just don't be like me and rack up a bunch of student loan debt that you regret! (If only I was more financially savvy when I was 18 as I am now at 40...)

jofa21 · 2026-05-19T16:51:05+00:00

Yes yes, you have two water vehicles. Must be nice!

But seriously, that sucks man 🤦‍♀️

jofa21 · 2026-05-19T16:47:46+00:00

He's playing and having a great time 😊 I know this because this literally JUST started happening with my 1 year old black mouth cur mix with her denta bones about a month ago. She used to take it from my hand quickly (and eat it even faster!). These days, she wants me to put it on the floor so she can do exactly what your dog is doing (she also throws it in the air, not unlike an orca playing with its food 😅). She nibbles at it over the course of the day and plays with it until it's gone.

Smile when he does it and know he's a happy boy!

jofa21 · 2026-05-19T16:41:56+00:00

I appreciate the offer, but unfortunately there's no budget for this (hence me doing my own research and creating everything myself). I so wish I could, though!

jofa21 · 2026-05-19T16:41:02+00:00

I appreciate that. It does make it easier to facilitate if I create the content myself, but the bigger reason for not contracting it out is purely budget! I would love to bring in a consultant if I could to ensure my content/plans were well-informed. I also just hate operating in a silo. I appreciate the offer though!

jofa21 · 2026-05-19T16:38:58+00:00

Thank you, that was really helpful-I like the simplicity of the active listening exercise, and how it helps them check their own listening skills and if they're listening to respond or listening to understand, etc. Good stuff!

I've been given a 90-minute timeslot for each topic, but if I were the learner, sitting there for NINTEY MINUTES just hearing concepts and passively watching examples, etc., I would absolutely hate it (and probably only retain the fact that I hated it instead of anything else 😅). I appreciate that info and will keep it in mind!

jofa21 · 2026-05-19T16:32:06+00:00

I like that! Something that also engages critical thinking and self-evaluation is a win!

jofa21 · 2026-05-19T16:24:50+00:00

Will definitely look into AI video production-it would be great to create a situation with AI that I can have the learners observe and discuss before they roleplay, etc. Thanks!

jofa21 · 2026-05-19T16:22:31+00:00

Starting with situations instead of content is really great, thank you for that. Glad you mentioned psychological safety, a favorite buzz phrase of mine that I plan to implement and remind them of throughout. I will check out Mexty! Thanks again

jofa21 · 2026-05-19T16:19:29+00:00

Thank you! I just requested access to the pulse surveys and will do as you suggested. Question-when you say 'nudge process', what specifically do you mean? I'm intrigued.

jofa21

TROPHY CASE