Personal SWOT analysis – An Exercise

SWOT analysis is acronym for Strength , Weakness , Opportunities and Threats.  Generally good companies do the SWOT analysis before launching a new product or service in the market.  It is a very useful exercise.

But SWOT analysis is not limited to product or service only.  It is also applicable to an individual also.

The Four parameters of SWOT can easily guide you to start your career or can help you in the advancement of your career ladder.

How? 

Take a paper and pen. 

Write down your strength- In which area you are good or have the command. It might be you are good listener, good orator,  you can be good in organizing the things, you have no hesitation in taking the initiative, you are good in convincing the people, you can be good in communication etc.  These all are your personal traits which make your aura.

Then comes the Weakness.  Judge yourself honestly.  You cannot be master in everything.  Weakness is not a liability , but it the area of improvements which actually stops you in many instances.  Weakness can be – you are not a good listener , you lose your tamper easily , you can be disorganized , you do not feel comfortable to address the audience , you afraid from taking the new challenges, not interested in learning new things , not good in presenting the things in spite of having the full knowledge etc.

The Strength and Weakness are the internal traits or assets of a person.

 

Opportunities and Threats are in second category – External factors which influence you while deciding your career or advancement.

Opportunities : wherever you are today , because of your strength and weakness.  But if you want to scale the heights of success , you have to sense or smell the areas of opportunities which is lies in your area.  Sense them , and if you have a hawk eye, you can easily identify these opportunities and cash them in right time.

Threats :  Identify the areas which are threats for you.  It might be possible that some degree or training is stopping you in the path of advancement of your career.  Some skills which are essential but you have no knowledge about them.  This also can be one threat - the area chosen by you have very limited and not have a long term future etc. 

Do your introspection and prepare your SWOT.  Start working to improve your weakness and threats.