Performing a SWOT Analysis

SWOT analysis is a tool that can be used to generate an overview of an organization's position within a particular market, or a team's position within an organization. Use the SWOT matrix to determine and compare the internal strengths and weaknesses of your organization or team, and to analyze the opportunities for it and threats to it within the market.

The information you collect will enable you to make decisions that could help to put your organization into a stronger position by making the most of your strengths, minimizing your weaknesses, exploiting the opportunities open to you in the market, and mitigating any threats.

ACTION POINT: If you've taken the time to analyze your situation using analysis tools, don't let the data you've collected just sit in a a file--be sure to use the information to inform your strategy.