How To Do A SWOT Analysis
Strategic
Planning sounds a lofty pursuit and perhaps beyond our
humble capabilities. Not so with a SWOT Analysis.
Learn how to do a SWOT analysis using the SWOT matrix and
become an effective strategic planner today, achieving your
goals.
What’s Strategic Planning Anyway?
Strategic planning is just management speak for long term future planning. Strategic planning concerns anything that will bring results in anything from 1 year to 5 years or beyond. It’s good management practice to raise your head above the daily grind every now and then, and take action now to positively affect your future.
Definition of SWOT
As with most management models, the clue is in the name.
S = Strengths
W = Weaknesses
O = Opportunities
T = Threats
The SWOT Matrix Explained
All the best management models have four quadrants, and the SWOT matrix is no exception. You use each of the four quadrants in turn to analyze where you are now, where you want to be, and then make an action plan to get there.
Regardless of whether you or your team are future planning
for specific products, work, personal or any other area, the
SWOT analysis process is the same.
Step 1 – In the here and now…
List all strengths that exist now. Then in turn, list all
weaknesses that exist now. Be realistic but avoid modesty!
Step 2 – What might be…
List all opportunities that exist in the future.
Opportunities are potential future strengths. Then in turn,
list all threats that exist in the future. Threats are
potential future weaknesses.
Step 3 – Plan of action…
Review your SWOT matrix with a view to creating an action
plan to address each of the four areas.
In summary;
· Strengths need to be maintained, built upon or leveraged.
· Weaknesses need to be remedied or stopped.
· Opportunities need to be prioritised and optimised.
· Threats need to be countered or minimised.
SWOT Analysis Example
Here’s one I prepared earlier…
Sow the seeds and reap the benefits
And that’s it! Not too complicated, I’m sure you’ll agree.
The SWOT matrix is a useful tool for strategic planning and
achieving your goals, individually or with a team. It’s easy
to learn how to do a SWOT analysis – just try one out for
yourself and reap the benefits.
By Lyndsay Swinton
Owner, Management for the Rest of Us
www.mftrou.com
About the Author
Lyndsay Swinton is owner of 'Management for the rest of us' Visit her site and become an experienced manager, overnight!
