When I first came across the SWOT analysis, it was back at university. We learnt about the tool and how it could be used to evaluate companies, projects and drive strategic direction. 

As part of my coaching and training journey, I came across the SWOT analysis in quite a different way, a way which would prove to be useful to me and the clients I work with. 

Let’s do a quick refresh of the SWOT analysis.

It is made up of 4 quadrants the SWOT represents:

1. STRENGTHS – what are the strengths of the product, service, project or person?
2. WEAKNESSES – what are the weakness or development areas of the product, service, project or person?
3. OPPORTUNITIES – what are the opportunities do the product, service, project or person have?
4. THREATS – what are the threats that the product, service, project or person face?

The elements can be used to evaluate an individual to provide a holistic view of where they are today and where they can go tomorrow. 

The SWOT as a personal evaluation tool

We have so many strengths, such as our experiences, skills, passions, abilities and capabilities (the list goes on). At the same time, we may not always be clear or sure about the gaps we may have, or the threats we face. 

Bring in the SWOT analysis and suddenly, we can build up quite a detailed assessment of ourselves which can then be used to drive what we want to do next or how we can use them to define new goals. 

To really understand where you are and where you can go, a SWOT is a great tool to get your started. Yes, it can be difficult and sometimes scary because when we look at ourselves, we realise that we do have blindspots or that we are greater than we thought we were.

Here’s how to get started

1. Find some time for yourself where you can focus
2. Take a piece of paper and draw out the SWOT analysis
3. Take some deep breaths
4. Start to write in each area as much as you can
5. Think about some questions you can ask yourself such as:

S = What am I good at? What do others think are my strengths?

W = What are my development areas? What has my manager said about the things I can improve?

O = What kind of things can I do? What opportunities are there for what I know and the skills I have?

T = Who are my competitors? What will stop me getting what I want?

6. Pick the areas of your SWOT analysis which you want to focus on and create goals for and start to create SMART goals.

You now have a tool which you can use to assess and evaluate where you are and where you can go next. 

Monica is the Co-Founder and COO of Reach Outstanding. She has had a corporate career over 20 years across the UK and UAE. She believes in the power of human potential and that with the right support, experiences and mindset, people can achieve all they desire. She is the creator behind the accredited training programs offered by Reach Outstanding and a Business & Leadership Coach. 

Want to learn about what Monica does or simply catch up for chat? Reach out to her today at monica@reachoutstanding.com