call us now 760-943-7119
Why is this Important?
Strategic Use: Orienting SWOTs to An Objective
A SWOT analysis must first start with defining a desired end state or objective. A SWOT analysis may be incorporated into the strategic planning model.
Identification of SWOTs is essential because subsequent steps in the process of planning for achievement of the selected objective may be derived from the SWOTs.
First, the decision makers have to determine whether the objective is attainable, given the SWOTs. If the objective is NOT attainable a different objective must be selected and the process repeated.
The SWOT analysis is often used in academia to highlight and identify strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats. It is particularly helpful in identifying areas for development.
Creative Use of SWOTs: Generating Strategies
If, on the other hand, the objective seems attainable, the SWOTs are used as inputs to the creative generation of possible strategies, by asking and answering each of the following four questions, many times:
Ideally a cross-functional team or a task force that represents a broad range of perspectives should carry out the SWOT analysis. For example, a SWOT team may include an accountant, a salesperson, an executive manager, an engineer.
Simple rules for successful SWOT analysis:
I learned more in a 3 hour session than 3 days at a Harvard Business School Management training I recently attended .
Joe Panetta, President & CEO, BIOCOM
My group helped me rekindle my passion for the Law. My chair and group members hold me accountable to the commitments I make, and they challenge me to create a professional and personal life that is rich and fulfilling. They will settle for nothing less for me.
On a more practical note, I developed a P & L on each attorney, at the urging of Rosemary, to show the bottom line contribution of each attorney within the firm. We then used that document to have discussions with each attorney about their contribution to the firm at review time and bonus time. Results: eliminated 2 low performers and increased the effectiveness of the remaining team members. My Group also assisted me in analyzing where and when to move my offices.
With the assistance of my group and my chair, Rosemary, I am now creating a legacy at BPP that I can be proud of when the time comes to retire.
Tom Balestreri, Managing Partner, Balestreri, Pendleton, Potoki, LLC
Rosemary got my head back in the game. She helped me revitalize my business and my objectives for my future.
(developed & implemented an effective Exit Strategy )
David Stowe, Principle, The Ardell Group
My executive team was highly dysfunctional until the Solutions team began working with me, and eventually my direct reports. Now we manage conflict constructively. We have trust and accountability. As a result, my team have created a blue ocean strategy for our industry.
Anonymous, General Manager, Public Company
Rosemary has helped me to aim high and see the forest through the trees. She holds me accountable for my goals. When I began with her my company was just under $4 million. I have grown the company to over $50 mm. Rosemary helped me form my personal vision, which led me to sell an unprofitable division of the company for a profit. At our annual goal-setting meeting I indicated that I wanted to write a book. Rosemary held me to my aspirations, and eight months later I published two books which lend tremendous credibility to the company.”
Marty Goodman, CEO, Residential Capital
Solutions by Design is comprised of quality personnel. I have had the privilege of working with several of their employees and I am very impressed with their knowledge. I would recommend using their services to anyone searching for quality support.
K. Hardtke, Accounting, Business Real Estate/NAI
Thanks to the team at Solutions by Design, we’ve been able to get our financial procedures under control and get a clearer picture of our day to day business. They’ve taken us from the chaos of a start-up company and given us the financial organization we need to grow. They are very knowledgeable, efficient and a pleasure to work with. I can recommend Solutions by Design with absolutely no hesitation.
K. Hardtke, Accounting, Business Real Estate/NAI
