Effective Management of Technical Experts

In the technical world, Subject Matter Experts (SME) can be the lifeblood of business development. Many of these individuals are young, highly educated, and suspicious of senior management. In order to get the most out of these talented experts, utilize the military principle of management by exception. Clearly state your objectives, ground rules, schedule, and then let them run with it. Closely monitor the project from a distance and provide help when asked. Interfere only when the situation warrants and you will build a great, creative force within your organization.