SWOT: The #1 Secret to "Serious" Career Growth

by Guest Contributor | Sep 19, 2006 7:00:00 AM

Takeaway: Individuals should perform a Self-SWOT analysis to identify intrinsic qualities (strengths and weaknesses) that may help or hinder them in the workplace, as well as external issues (opportunities and threats) that may work for or against them as they attempt to climb the corporate ladder.

By John McKee, The Business Success Coach

The recent announcements from General Motors and Ford Motor Company have underscored that good job performance, alone, does not ensure professional growth or success over the long-term.

These developments, when viewed in conjunction with the continuing trend of corporate outsourcing and offshoring, illustrate that business people are a commodity unto themselves.� As such, just as with business owners and executives, those with serious aspirations need to analyze both their macro and micro environments with a "Self-SWOT" analysis to assure their advancement in today's volatile business climate.

For decades, SWOT analysis has been a basic, straightforward model providing strategic direction to organizations worldwide. By assessing a business entity's Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats, SWOT analysis serves to maximize a business� chance for success.�

Tips in your inbox

Make an investment in your career by subscribing to TechRepublic's free IT Career NetNote newsletter.

Automatically sign up today!

In the same manner, individuals should perform a Self-SWOT analysis to identify intrinsic qualities (strengths and weaknesses) that may help or hinder them in the workplace, as well as external issues (opportunities and threats) that may work for or against them as they attempt to climb the corporate ladder. �

Conducting a Self-SWOT analysis with regularity is, in my opinion, the single most effective 'power tool' one can use in optimizing their career.� Once complete, the results will help the professional identify, hone and leverage beneficial qualities in the workplace, and minimize obstacles that must be overcome to achieve desired results relative to one�s career.

A word of caution: while the Self-SWOT exercise, itself, is of fundamental importance, it�s not enough to simply identify one�s inner strengths and weaknesses and external opportunities and threats. Rather, the strategic application of that key learning is what will positively affect one�s success in the workplace.

With this in mind, here are some basic questions one should ask them self in a Self-SWOT analysis, and how to parlay the results into tangible business success:

Strengths:

Core competencies, experience, education?
Personal competitive advantages amongst peers?
Financial status (risk tolerance)?
Networks: personal and professional affiliations through which to make connections, contacts and garner support?
Reputation, philosophy and values?

Weaknesses:

Gaps in mission critical skills?
Gaps in competitive strength?
Reputation, presence and image?
Vulnerabilities: cultural, attitudinal, behavioral?
Location and geographical?

Opportunities:

Timely developments and trends (personal, company, industry)?
Peer/superior vulnerabilities?
Technology development and innovation?
Support system(s): peers, family, personal other?
Tactical developments, information, research and findings?

Threats:

Effect of corporate culture/politics?
Personal limitations and obstacles (i.e., geography, etc.)?
Sustaining/cultivating skills through ongoing practice/education?
Anticipated/possible/likely changes to business landscape?
Insurmountable competition (peers, etc.)?

Once your Self-SWOT analysis is complete:

Carpe Diem. Core strengths and opportunities should be immediately capitalized upon and, optimally, should be matched, or paired up, to optimize the potential for success.
Turn Weakness into Strength. Rather than simply downplaying weaknesses, one should attempt to actually convert them into strengths.
Turn Threat into Opportunity. Similarly, every attempt should be able to convert threats into opportunities.

John McKee, a certified business and executive coach and Author of "21 Ways Women in Management Shoot Themselves in the Foot," is the expert and visionary behind BusinessSuccessCoach.net, an online destination for professionals who aspire to maximize their success in business. He can be reached through his Web sites at www.businesssuccesscoach.net and www.businesswomanweb.com.

7 comment(s)