Let’s start with a quick background on why the SWOT Analysis was originally created and how it became the global standard for how individuals, teams, and companies apply strategic thinking to just about any situation. The SWOT Analysis was initially developed over 50 years ago by a group of researchers from Stanford University who in 1960 set out to better understand why strategic planning processes were failing for so many companies. The team interviewed more than 5,000 executives from over 1,000 companies and their learnings have helped companies think, plan, and work better by leveraging this simple yet highly effective strategic process.
Also checkout our SWOT Analysis Business Example Guide
Strengths are based on internal factors and viewed as helpful to your organization.
Weaknesses are based on internal factors and viewed as harmful to the organization.
Opportunities are based on external factors and viewed as helpful to your organization.
Threats are based on external factors and viewed as harmful to your organization.
Evaluate your internal Strengths and Weaknesses and external Opportunities and Threats.
Set an Objective
ex: To achieve 30% market share in 24 months
Perform a Product SWOT Analysis
What internal or product strengths will lead us to achieve 30% market share, what internal or product weaknesses might hold us back, what external factors may present themselves as opportunities to help us achieve 30% market share, what external threats could derail our success?
Recent article: SWOT Analysis Product Example
Set an Objective
ex: To drive alignment on our decision to move forward with international expansion
Perform a Meeting Agenda SWOT Analysis
What do you expect to be your meeting strengths, what do you currently anticipate could be weaknesses to your meeting, what could be an opportunity to really make this meeting an even bigger success, what could totally derail or threaten the success of your meeting?
Set an Objective
ex: To have a wildly successful team meeting
Perform a Future SWOT Analysis
What do we expect to be our events strengths, what might be our weaknesses you will need to overcome, what additional opportunities might present themselves, what threats should be look out for?
Set an Objective
ex: To make today a successful and productive day
Perform a Morning Routine SWOT Analysis
What do we expect to be our strengths today, what might be our weaknesses we will need to overcome, what additional opportunities could we pursue today, what could threaten our success today?
Set an Objective
ex: To have a highly productive and strategic week. One of our best weeks yet.
Perform a Weekly SWOT Analysis
What do we expect to be our strengths next week, what might be our weaknesses we will need to overcome next week, what additional opportunities could we pursue next week, what could threaten our ability to be wildly successful next week?
Recent article: The Weekly SWOT Analysis Plan
Have interview teams collaborate on reviewing a candidates Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats for a specific role.
What are we selling? What is our products strategic position? Ask your key customers to provide input.
How are we selling it? What's working? What's not working? Where are there opportunities? What are the threats?
What is your position in a market? Look at your organization through the eyes of a customer. How would they design your SWOT?
What is your position with a partner? How does the partner see you in SWOT terms?
Design a SWOT for price, profitability, margin, international expansion.
