Strategy

SWOT Analysis

SWOT analysis helps teams understand their current position and strategize effectively. It's a structured brainstorming method to uncover Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats. Teams gain clarity and a foundation for action. Use it to align everyone.

Duration
1 hour
Group Size
5-12
Category
Strategy
Difficulty
Easy
Participants will assess internal strengths and weaknesses. They will identify external opportunities and threats. The goal is to create a strategic picture and generate actionable insights.
The team will complete a SWOT analysis, identifying key strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. Expect increased strategic clarity and alignment.
Remember that Strengths and Weaknesses are internal. Opportunities and Threats are external. Encourage an honest assessment. Be specific (e.g., "5 data scientists with Python expertise" rather than "good people"). The intersections are key:

  • S+O: How do strengths help capture opportunities?

  • S+T: How do strengths defend against threats?

  • W+O: What weaknesses must be addressed to seize opportunities?

  • W+T: What's our biggest vulnerability?

Use for strategic planning, project kickoffs, annual reviews, competitive analysis, or go/no-go decisions. For a quicker session (30 minutes), skip the individual brainstorm and conduct the exercise as a group discussion. You'll lose depth. Success is an honest assessment and 3-5 strategic priorities. Teams often struggle to identify weaknesses – push them to be honest. Acknowledge that sometimes the 'obvious' is still important to state.

  1. Setup (5 min): Draw a 2x2 matrix. Label the quadrants: Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats. Define the focus: organization, product, project, or initiative.

  2. Individual Brainstorm (10 min): Each person writes items for all four quadrants. Use one sticky note per item. Encourage specific, honest observations.

  3. Post and Cluster (15 min): Post sticky notes in the appropriate quadrants. Group similar items. Discuss and clarify each item.

  4. Discussion (20 min): Review each quadrant. Identify critical items and look for connections between them.

  5. Strategic Actions (10 min): Brainstorm actions based on the intersections:


  • Strengths + Opportunities = Growth: How can we maximize our strengths to capitalize on opportunities?

  • Strengths + Threats = Defense: How can our strengths protect us from threats?

  • Weaknesses + Opportunities = Development: What weaknesses need addressing to leverage opportunities?

  • Weaknesses + Threats = Priority risks: What are our biggest vulnerabilities?

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For Facilitators

  • Review participant profiles and expectations
  • Prepare all materials and supplies
  • Test technology and room setup

For Participants

  • Complete pre-session survey
  • Review background materials
  • Prepare examples or case studies

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  • Large 2x2 grid (whiteboard or paper)

  • Sticky notes (four colors)

  • Markers

  • Dot stickers

  • SWOT background data (optional)

  • Market research (optional)

  • Competitor information (optional)

  • Financial data (optional)

Unlock Materials Required

Create a free account to access step-by-step instructions, agendas, and resources for all activities.

  • Facilitator Guide (PDF)
  • Participant Workbook Template
  • Presentation Slides
  • Printable Materials

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