Znajdź swoje mocne strony – zrób indywidualny SWOT!

Are you aware of your own strengths and weaknesses? This is very useful knowledge in the process of professional development! It can be deepened by a SWOT analysis. See how to do it.

What is a SWOT analysis?

The word SWOT is an abbreviation of four English words: S (strengths) – strengths, W (weaknesses) – weaknesses, O (opportunities) – opportunities, T (threats) – threats. It is a tool that is usually used when creating a business strategy. It’s good to be aware that the same analysis can be prepared individually for you! Recognizing your strengths and weaknesses allows you to better manage your career development and helps you achieve your goals. 

How to make an individual SWOT?

Take time to reflect on your personality traits, skills, values, and interests. To conduct a SWOT, it is best to prepare a sheet of paper and divide it into 4 parts.

• The first part should be about strengths. Here it is worth writing down the answers to the questions: What are my strengths? What am I better at than others? What skills distinguish me on the labor market? The answers may include, for example, exceptional creativity or knowledge of foreign languages.

• The second part will be about weaknesses. Ask yourself: What are my shortcomings? What can’t I do but should I? What personality traits interfere with my work and block my development? Examples include a problem with meeting deadlines or poor self-presentation.

• The third part is a place to define opportunities : What can I do to develop further? What opportunities may result from changes in the labor market? What requirements do I need to meet to be promoted? An opportunity may be, for example, the prospect of development in the current company. 

• The last part deals with threats . Here, list answers to questions such as: Is the competition in my industry increasing? Is there a risk that I may lose my job? A threat may be, for example, growing unemployment.

If you have trouble with any part, ask your loved ones to help you complete it. I’m sure they have a lot of observations about you that can be helpful!

What can you gain?

Such an individual SWOT allows you to get an overview of the situation, highlights what is worth working on and allows you to specify goals. This is a chance to strengthen your strengths and notice the opportunities available to you. And the best thing is that to use this effective tool, all you need is a piece of paper, a pen and good will!