Barbara Ostrowska

• SWOT analysis (Strenths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) is

a common tool that aids the evaluation of a problem or person.

• It is one of the most effective methods to identifying strengths

and weaknesses. It increases efficiency because the strengths

and weaknesses are analyzed in the context of the

opportunities and threats that we face.

• In conducting a SWOT analysis one should consider his strengths and weaknesses and the opportunities and threats that may arise in the environment. The hardest part is an objective view on the problem or person.

• S (Strengths) - everything that is an asset, advantage of the analyzed object,

• W (Weaknesses) - everything that is a weakness, barrier, defect of the analyzed object,

• O (Opportunities) - all this creates the opportunity for the analysis of a positive change,

• T (Threats) - hazards: everything that creates a risk of an unfavorable change.

• SWOT analysis is a table with two rows and two columns. In the

top row one shows the factors within the person, while the

bottom one, left-hand column contains the factors of positive

and negative change.

• Do not forget that in the process of drawing conclusions from the

analysis, each of the factors should always be considered in

relation to factors from the other parts of the table, such as the

risks we have seen in relation to the strengths and weaknesses.

• What are your talents, abilities and skills?

• What can you do best?

• Or maybe you're good at something, but you lack the time to develop these skills?

• In what field you have most experience in and have the most knowledge in?

• What valuable personality traits do you have?

• Do you have any positive qualities rarely found in your environment?

• What abilities, talents and skills others see in you (parents, friends, teachers)?

• What are your biggest accomplishments?

• Do you prefer to work with people or with objects?

• Feel better in a team or alone?

• What are your biggest advantages?

• What you do not like doing and why?

• What kind of work is difficult for you and why?

• What subjects in high school and college caused you difficulty

and why?

• What are your weaknesses and what weaknesses others see in

you (parents, friends, teachers)?

• What are you afraid of and why?

• What personality traits you do not have?

• Which of you qualities makes it difficult to work with you?

• What makes you anxious?

• What are the opportunities in front of you?

• What is new around you that you might use?

• What are the occasions you missed that you can still use?

• What trends can become an opportunity for you?

• What local events can help you realize your plans?

• What do you still need to learn that might become an

opportunity for growth?

• What obstacles can become a trap for you?

• What are the requirements for starting a company in the

branch you think of?

• Is the technological change a threat to your position?

• What might be an obstacle on your way to success?

• Having identified the strengths and weaknesses, see how they translate into the ability to pursue opportunities and threats.

• The end product of a SWOT analysis is to prepare an individual career plan. This plan should include answers to the following questions:

• - Exactly what I want to achieve?,

• - I want / need to avoid?,

• - What difficulties or obstacles can meet the career path you considering?

• - Undertake the actions to achieve your goal (or goals)?

• SWOT analysis is the first step to begin the process of change.

Work on weaknesses, opportunities and avoiding threats are

now much more easy. It's easier to overcome adversity from the

perspective of its own benefits, of which existance you

previously did not know.

• Starting the process of change (including starting your own

business) based on the results of the SWOT analysis should

focus on activities in the areas where you see your chance and

where you are strong. At the same time try to overcome

weaknesses and avoid or neutralize threats.