Become a Sultan of SWOT
One thing my MBA education taught me regarding the success and failure of an organization was the importance of a thorough S.W.O.T. analysis. In simple terms, a S.W.O.T. analysis is nothing more than a 360° evaluation of an organization that scrutinizes an organization's strengths (S), weaknesses (W), opportunities (O), and threats (T). Performed collaboratively with individuals that encompass a wide range of expertise across the organization, the S.W.O.T. analysis is an indicator of how an organization compares to similar organizations in their competitive market-place.
While S.W.O.T. analyses are primarily conducted on organizations, departments, or divisions, the same model can be applied to individuals. Anyone who is professionally driven with lofty career aspirations should perform an internal S.W.O.T. analysis of themselves. Sample questions that one may ask themselves are as follows: 1) What are my greatest strengths or attributes? 2) How do I leverage those strengths for continued growth and development? 3) What are my weaknesses? 4) What risks and limitations will I face if these weaknesses are not addressed? 5) What opportunities are available to me for professional growth and development? 6) What professional opportunities are currently available to me based on my current skill set? 7) What professional threats am I currently exposed to? 8) Do I have any control over eliminating those threats?
Performing a self-analysis that is this raw, open and self-exposing can be a difficult and daunting task for those individuals who lack confidence or with insecurities about themselves. This process is a complete dissection of one's strengths, and weaknesses and only those who are comfortable in their own skin will succeed.
The need for an internal S.W.O.T. analysis can be no more beneficial than during an interview for a new job. Some of the most typical interview questions ask candidates to describe their strengths and weaknesses. I was recently grilled during a series of interviews in which the interviewers placed the focus of the interview on my weaknesses.
"We already know your strengths... they're highlighted on your resume" the interviewer said. "We know about your MBA education and of your contributions to the profession. We want to know about Doug the person... we want to know more about your deficiencies."
Had I not taken the time to perform a thorough S.W.O.T. on myself, I probably would have been extremely uncomfortable in that situation. Instead, I was able to confidently answer those questions. Why? Because I had already asked myself those questions a hundred times before. Better yet, I knew exactly what I needed to do to improve on those weaknesses because I had already laid out a strategy to do so.
There are a plethora of resources on the web that one can access to learn more about the S.W.O.T. analysis... here's a great one to get started. I would also recommend reading Simplified Strategic Plan by Bradford, Duncan, and Tarcy.
As for the job? I've allegedly made it down to the final two candidates. I'll let you know how things go in future postings.