Creating a SWOT analysis
Steps
- Create a SWOT matrix with the sections “Strengths”, “Weaknesses”, “Opportunities” and “Threats” on a large piece of paper.
- Select a subject you would like to explore. Set objectives (“What do we want to achieve?”) and make goals as SMART as you can.
- Scan the external environment:
- Divide the group into teams of two or three people.
- Shuffle the STEEP cards and divide them among the teams (a pre-selection is possible if short on time).
- Each team selects cards that might be “Opportunities” and/or “Threats” and positions them in the matrix, also addressing the current pattern of change on a post-it. The same card with a different pattern can be both an opportunity and a threat.
- When all cards are positioned, discuss as a group whether cards can be clustered into more general drivers of change.
- Scan the internal environment:
- Re-divide the group into new teams of two or three people.
- Each team identifies “Strengths” and “Weaknesses” on post-it notes and positions them.
- When all internal factors are positioned, discuss as a group whether they can be clustered into more general drivers.
- Prioritise the identified factors per category (S-W-O-T) by making a list, most important on top.
- You now have an overview of Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats. Develop and discuss possible new strategies to achieve the objective(s).