Self SWOT Analysis

Have you ever done a SWOT analysis on yourself? This exercise can be helpful for individuals and teams. Typically, SWOTS (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, threats) are done for business efforts if completed at all. However, they can also be used to provide personal insights. By creating a self SWOT analysis, you can identify the most critical factors you need to achieve your desired success.

• Think about all your strengths. Maybe you are really good at motivating your team. Possibly, you are a numbers person and you can see untapped opportunities to maximize revenue. Are you a passionate teacher? How are you using your strengths? Are they being maxed out?
• Now look at your weaknesses. These are improvement areas. They can be places where you should delegate. Do you tend to procrastinate? Are you letting the stress of hitting your goals get the best of you? Do you have a hard time saying no and spread yourself too thin? How are your weaknesses sabotaging your potential?
• On to opportunity areas. These are skills, tools, knowledge, connections, whatever or whoever can help you get to your goals. Is an area of opportunity leveraging your network? If you left work fifteen minutes earlier, would it allow you to spend extra time with your family or friends and live a more balanced life? Are you spending too much time outside of your zone of genius and feeling burned out? What can you do to catapult areas of opportunity and drive progress towards your goals?
• Now the scary one… threats. What do they look like to you? These are things that can derail you from success. What is the biggest external danger standing in your way?

Once you’ve completed your deep dive evaluate it. Look at your strengths and opportunities to chart out a course of action. Being aware of your weaknesses and threats provides you with insights to expose areas to shore up or avoid.

What do you want to accomplish next week, next month, and next quarter? Take advantage of a self SWOT analysis and jump-start your momentum.

WHAT’S THE PROBLEM?

Kathrine Glass, PMP, ACC – Independent Contributor

There she is. Coming toward your office. You know you are about to lose at least thirty minutes trying to solve whatever problem Mary has. She is chattering before she even crosses the door’s threshold. A client has a need that seems insurmountable to her. Mary is rambling. 

As you listen, you are trying to figure out the problem and formulate a solution. Isn’t finding solutions the best way to support your sellers? Maybe, but what if you are creating a co-dependent, instead of an empowered, team member. The more you help, the more Mary needs you and the less time you have to focus on other priorities. 

Next time Mary comes barreling into your office, change the flow. Ask her, “Mary, what is the real challenge for you?” By asking her to get specific about the real challenge it forces her to slow down. To think. To get specific. Adding the words ‘for you’ takes the issue and makes it personal. It helps Mary to think about what she needs to do. 

After she’s answered ask, “And what else?”, 3-5 times. This process helps Mary continue to wade through her thoughts and beliefs about the situation. Resist the urge to jump in and provide a solution. You are helping her to become better. Maybe even management material. 

You don’t have to leave her hanging. Guide her next steps but let her come to her own conclusion. She is the one who needs to act. She will get it! 

It’s natural for sellers to want their managers to solve problems for them. For managers, it can feel good to help. Set your sellers up for long-term success and less reliance on you. Teach them to fish! Lovely push them out of the nest! Whatever it takes for them to be in action and lean into their potential. 

P.S. Try this with your kids. You’ll be amazed it can work at home, too!