Twice a year, I sit down to do a bit of strategic planning and it’s not work-related, it’s work/life-related.
In my years as an HR professional, turned business owner, I’ve discovered that the principles of good business often translate into practical principles for a good life. So, every February and August, I sit down to do some back-to-basic strategic planning around my work/life using the time-proven SWOT analysis.
If you’re not familiar with the acronym, SWOT stands for strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats. Before you actually begin your SWOT, you must have a goal or objective in mind. I use my personal mission statement as a starting point, and then I come up with something I want to change, improve or achieve in my work/life over the next six to 12 months.
Next, I fill in the SWOT matrix (pictured below) using the following process:
- List current strengths as of NOW. Yea baby…be sure to keep this mojo!
- List current weaknesses as of NOW. Note to self, get rid of these!
- List potential opportunities for FUTURE. Oh, my future looks so bright!
- List potential threats in the FUTURE. Eck…better figure out how to avoid these!
- Develop a plan of action to maintain, build upon or leverage strengths, eliminate or improve weaknesses, prioritize opportunities, and minimize potential threats.
The SWOT is an extremely powerful tool, so use it well and use it often. Then, be sure to read my follow-up post that will help you on putting a plan into action.
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{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
Great tips! I will have to jot mine down later today.
This is a very good idea. I will be giving this a try
Thanks!!!!
Invaluable! Perfect timing too, as I polish my resume and consider other options. I never thought of evaluating my “Threats” before, but it’s a good one to consider.