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Tiếng ViệtSWOT analysis was invented as a business tool in the 1960s by business icons such as Edmund P. Learned, C. Roland Christensen, Kenneth Andrews, and William D. Guth.
In 1982, Heinz Weihrich advanced this tool by constructing a matrix with Strengths and Weaknesses on top and Opportunities and Threats below. This is the most popular and effective way to analyze.
SWOT analysis can also be applied to individuals pursuing career goals, helping each person become a better version of themselves and stand out.
How is Personal SWOT Analysis Conducted?
SWOT can help a person become a better version of themselves, says professional coach Marlo Zarka. Once you conduct a SWOT analysis, you need to think about what you want to gain from it. Do you want a new job or new achievements in your current position? Are you seeking personal growth or trying something new?
To conduct the analysis, ask questions in each of the four areas. Honesty is crucial; otherwise, the analysis will yield no results.
With this in mind, try to view yourself objectively, like a colleague or an outsider, when accepting criticism.
Caroline Smith, a copywriter at Centrica (a UK-based company involved in gas storage, electricity supply, and maintenance services), says imagining and recognizing your potential is equally important. “Don’t limit your strengths,” she says. “List all your strengths, even those you’ve ‘put to sleep,’ and notice your outstanding advantages compared to your friends. These are what make you unique and different.”
SWOT Questions to Ask Yourself
For SWOT to be valuable, you need to spend time truly thinking about it, even in your sleep, finding answers and reflecting. Don’t answer all the questions at once. When the questions and answers are deeply considered and absorbed in your brain overnight, they reveal hidden truths about yourself.
Start by thinking about your strengths. These are the skills and traits that set you apart from others. Answer the following questions:
What are you naturally good at?
What skills have you worked to develop?
What are your talents, or in other words, your innate abilities?
Next, answer these questions to identify your weaknesses. This section will help you recognize what needs improvement and how it hinders your career. Questions include:
What are your negative traits and habits at work?
What do you need to learn or train to improve yourself?
How do others evaluate your shortcomings?
Consider external factors you can leverage to find a new job or plan your career. These are your opportunities. Questions to answer include:
What is the state of the economy?
Is your industry growing?
Are there new technologies in your industry?
Finally, what threats does your job face? This section shows objective factors that may hinder your goals. Questions include:
Is your industry changing direction?
Is there fierce competition among the jobs you’re best suited for?
What is the biggest objective threat to your goals?
Remember to answer these questions as objectively as possible, and seek advice from someone who knows you if necessary. Stepping out of your comfort zone will help you achieve the results you’re seeking.
Evaluating Results
You can evaluate the results using two common methods.
The first method is matching, which combines two factors to determine action. For example, matching Strengths with Opportunities will show you where to focus and act. On the other hand, matching Weaknesses with Threats will highlight areas to avoid and help you steer clear of mistakes.
The second method is transforming negatives into positives. In other words, turn weaknesses into strengths and threats into opportunities. This means enhancing your skills and knowledge through education or finding creative ways to turn disadvantages into advantages.
For example, if you’re an extrovert, a job that requires you to “stay put” or is introverted with little communication may not suit you. But if you can work in sales—a role that allows you to interact with many people—you can have a stable job while leveraging your strengths to excel.
Once your personal SWOT analysis is complete, you need to pursue what you’ve discovered. SWOT is worthless if it’s just a list without any concrete action. By acting, leveraging opportunities, and limiting weaknesses, you can benefit on both personal and professional levels, setting yourself apart from friends and colleagues.
Once you use the results from SWOT, track your progress. Set measurements and milestones, and strive to improve yourself. Step by step, you’ll become the person you want to be. Start now with a SWOT analysis for yourself.
