How to Determine Your Strengths

The power of a SWOT Analysis — Part II of V

A SWOT analysis is a strategic planning tool used by individuals, organizations, or businesses to identify and evaluate their Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats. In this series, we’re unpacking the components of a SWOT analysis and helping you succeed in completing one. Let’s start with the “S” in SWOT: Strengths.

(Find Part I of the series HERE.)

Determining your strengths involves self-reflection, assessment, and feedback from others. Here are some steps to help you identify your strengths:

Self-reflection:

• Consider your achievements: Think about times when you felt accomplished or succeeded in a task. What skills or qualities contributed to those successes?
• Identify what you enjoy: Your strengths are often aligned with activities you find enjoyable and fulfilling. What tasks do you look forward to doing?

Skills assessment:

• Evaluate your skills: List your technical, soft, and transferable skills. These could include communication, problem-solving, technical proficiency, leadership, etc.
• Consider your education and training: Your formal education and any additional training can contribute to your skill set.

Feedback from others:

• Ask for feedback: Reach out to friends, family, colleagues, or mentors for their perspectives on your strengths. Sometimes, others can provide valuable insights that you might not see in yourself.
• Performance reviews: If applicable, review past performance evaluations to identify areas where you have excelled.

Personality assessments:

• Take personality tests: Some personality assessments, such as the StrengthsFinder, Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI), or DISC assessment, can provide insights into your natural tendencies and strengths.

Keep a success journal:

• Record your achievements: Keep a journal where you document your successes, both big and small. Reflect on the skills and qualities that contributed to those achievements.

Seek diverse experiences:

• Engage in different activities: Trying out various tasks or projects can help you discover areas where you excel and enjoy working.

Remember that strengths can be both tangible skills (such as technical proficiency) and intangible qualities (like adaptability or empathy). The combination of self-reflection, feedback, and assessments can give you a well-rounded understanding of your strengths. Additionally, consider that strengths can evolve over time, so it’s beneficial to revisit this process periodically.

Coffee Shop Example:

Strengths:

1. Prime location in a high-traffic area with good visibility and foot traffic.
2. Unique and cozy ambiance, with stylish decor and comfortable seating arrangements.
3. High-quality, locally sourced coffee beans and freshly baked pastries.
4. Well-trained and friendly staff providing excellent customer service.
5. Strong brand reputation within the local community, with a loyal customer base.

Need help completing a SWOT Analysis? Key2Success offers an innovative tool to help. Find it here!

Part 1 of the series — here!

Read the next section: Part III here!

Read the full series:

Part 1: Introducing the SWOT

Part 2: Identifying Strengths

Part 3: Identifying Weaknesses

Part 4: Determining Opportunities

Part 5: Determining Threats

Learn more tips at www.Key2SuccessPlanner.com!