SWOT analysis

Purpose

This simple tool is used to help identify strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats that exist for the coachee at any given time. It is therefore an ideal coaching exercise for helping the coachee plan how to achieve his or her desired outcomes .

Resources

This will take at least 60 minutes. Flip-chart paper (or A3 sheets) and pens

Notes to coach

This exercise can be adapted to be used when looking at a specific project, or to review personal strengths and development areas. It can also be used by a coachee with his or her team to build group action plans.

Instructions

Explain to coachees the meaning of each letter: a strength is something that they are good at; a weakness is something that they find difficult or know they are not very good at; an opportunity is a situation that works in their favour or offers them the chance to move forward; a threat is something that will put their current position or future plans at risk.

Ask the coachee to brainstorm in each of the four areas and log each thought under the appropriate heading. If you have access to a flip chart encourage the coachee to use this, but make sure he or she removes and keeps the sheets when finished. Remember, the coachee needs to be honest and searching in his or her thinking, and to consider each area from every perspective.

Once this stage is complete, ask the coachee:

• What can you do to maximize your strengths and minimize the impact of your weaknesses?

• How can you take advantage of the opportunities?

• What can you do to overcome the threats?