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One of the tools you can use when analyzing and getting to know yourself is a What is your SWOT analysis? – a systematic method of analyzing the Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats. Try to understand your strengths, a personal strength is an asset. These are the traits or skills that set you apart from others. Questions to ask: what are you good at naturally? The next step is weaknesses. This part examines the areas in which you need to improve. A personal weakness is a liability or an area of opportunity for growth. These are characteristics you could improve. Examples: disorganized, uncomfortable speaking in front of groups, tendency to procrastinate, poor listener. Questions to consider: what are your negative habits and traits? Opportunities & Threats – when thinking about your opportunities and threats, I always find it easier to begin with the “threats.” Try comparing yourself to other people to analyse yourself. Then, as objectively as possible, judge your threats and determine possible ways to overcome them. So if you need a little boost in your personal or professional development, try using the personal SWOT analysis exercise to sharpen your strengths, improve your weaknesses, identify opportunities for development and neutralize or overcome your threats.
SWOT Analysis is a simple but useful framework for analyzing your organization’s strengths and weaknesses, and the opportunities and threats that you face. It helps you focus on your strengths, minimize threats, and take the greatest possible advantage of opportunities available to you. You can also use it to get an understanding of your competitors, which can give you the insights you need to craft a coherent and successful competitive position.
When carrying out your analysis, be realistic and rigorous. Apply it at the right level, and supplement it with other option-generation tools where appropriate.
What makes SWOT particularly powerful is that, with a little thought, it can help you uncover opportunities that you are well-placed to exploit. And by understanding the weaknesses of your business, you can manage and eliminate threats that would otherwise catch you unawares.
More than this, by looking at yourself and your competitors using the SWOT framework, you can start to craft a strategy that helps you distinguish yourself from your competitors, so that you can compete successfully in your market.
What is your SWOT analysis?
10/04/2017