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3 Tips for Leading a SWOT Analysis with Your Team

The SWOT analysis has long been considered a cornerstone tool of strategic planning. SWOT stands for Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats. The model provides a framework to assess your team’s internal capabilities and external environment. But leading a productive SWOT analysis discussion can be tricky. Here are three tips to get the most out of your team session:

Prime the Pump: Prepare Pre-Meeting Activities

Don’t expect a brainstorming session to spark brilliance out of thin air. Before the meeting, distribute a worksheet or questionnaire prompting team members to consider the SWOT categories. This gets everyone thinking individually and ensures a wider range of ideas are brought to the table.

Here are some prompts to get them started:

Strengths: What are we good at? What resources or skills do we possess?

Weaknesses: What are we lacking? What hinders our performance?

Opportunities: What external trends could benefit us? What unmet needs exist in the market?

Threats: What challenges do we face from competitors or the environment?

Foster a Safe Space for Honest Discussion

A successful SWOT analysis hinges on open and honest feedback. Set clear ground rules at the beginning, emphasizing that constructive criticism is valued. Here are some ways to create a safe space:

  • Anonymity: Consider allowing anonymous contributions during brainstorming, especially for weaknesses.
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  • Focus on Solutions: Frame the discussion around identifying areas for improvement, not assigning blame.
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  • Respect All Ideas: Acknowledge every contribution, even seemingly outlandish ideas, as they might spark further discussion.

Go Beyond Listing: Analyze and Strategize

Don’t settle for a laundry list of strengths and weaknesses. Once you have a comprehensive list, guide the team in analyzing the connections between the categories.

  • – Which opportunities and threats have the highest probability and greatest impact on our future success?
  • – How can we leverage our strengths to capitalize on opportunities?
  • – Can we address weaknesses to minimize threats?
  • – Are there creative ways to combine strengths and weaknesses to address threats or opportunities?

By using the SWOT analysis as a springboard for strategic thinking, you’ll transform it from a simple assessment tool into a powerful driver for team growth.

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