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April Webinar: How to Optimise SME/ID Relationships for L&D to Deliver What Your Company Needs Most

  • Writer: STR
    STR
  • May 13
  • 2 min read

Updated: 2 days ago





Insights Overall

This webinar focuses on transforming subject matter expert knowledge into effective learning experiences that drive behavior change and deliver ROI. The key is shifting from content-focused "training" to learner-centered experiences that guide people through the competency journey.


Key takeaways

  • Focus on learning experiences (transformation) rather than training (content delivery)

  • Most training fails to deliver ROI because it doesn't change behavior

  • Learning design must address all four stages of competency development

  • Clear learning objectives using Bloom's Taxonomy help target the right outcomes

  • Creativity must serve learning goals, not replace them ("sizzle with sausage")

  • A structured design process (high-level → creativity → detailed design → development) ensures quality

  • Testing with end users is essential for effective learning experiences


The learning challenge


  • Traditional training focuses on content; effective learning experiences focus on transformation

  • “The forgetting cliff” - Without application, most workshop knowledge disappears quickly

  • Most training fails because it doesn't change behavior


Four-stage competency journey


  1. Unconsciously incompetent → Need communication about why change matters

  2. Consciously incompetent → Need knowledge about what to do

  3. Consciously competent → Need practice opportunities

  4. Unconsciously competent → Need coaching for habit formation


Development process


High-level design


  • Define business purpose and learner outcomes

  • Apply Bloom's Taxonomy to set clear objectives

  • Document emotional impact goals



Innovation & creativity


  • Create engaging environments beyond "click next" e-learning

  • Balance engagement ("sizzle") with solid content ("sausage")

  • Let outcomes drive creativity, not vice versa



Detailed design


  • Create comprehensive storyboards

  • Specify interactions and feedback

  • Get sign-off before development


Development & testing


  • Test with end users

  • Refine based on feedback


Team roles


  • SME: content knowledge

  • Instructional Designer: learning science and creativity

  • Developer: technical implementation

  • Project Manager: timelines and budgets

  • Graphic Designer: visual elements


AI's current role


  • Effective for: custom imagery, AI-generated video

  • Limited for: high-level design, creating engaging interactions

  • Best approach: human-AI partnership


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About the speaker

Mark Savinson, CEO of Strategy to Revenue (STR), brings experience as both an SME and someone who built a company of instructional designers and developers. He advocates for effective learning design that drives behavior change and business impact.

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