NOVEMBER 11, 2022
Do you need a little help in life? We ALL need help from others because life was not meant to be lived ALONE. Just make sure you are able to “Play Well with Others.” Do you know yourself? Do you know if you are on the right path for your life? Have you made a list of those people you are taking along with you? Do you know your end game of a project, a career, or your life? If so, you might be interested in checking out the SWOT method of living. This is something I have used in my own personal life and in building UNICO into the agency it is today. It is a technique that identifies a business’s or a person’s; Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats. I would like you to think for yourself, with the assistance of your mentor or coach, in applying the SWOT method to your own life. Don’t get hung up worrying too much with your threats. God didn’t promise us a rose garden that didn’t need some tending. If you are looking for your threats, some of you will find more than others. Those of you that practice wisdom, courage and love will find that you have fewer worries about the threats and will think more about the opportunities. Just the difference between being optimistic and pessimistic. The purpose of SWOT analysis is to look at internal and external factors that influence a business’s success and shortcomings. (The same for your own life) SWOT has been a useful tool in our business which allows for long-term strategic planning in growing and prospering. Your present leadership here at UNICO has done an excellent job of “SWOTTING” their way to victory and for that I applaud them.
While SWOT may be a great technique to analyze your business and its overall operations, think for yourself as to how to use SWOT on a personal basis. Here are a few ways to practice your own SWOT:
- Strengths: What are you good at? (Strengths and Skills) What do you do well? This starts with “Knowing thyself.” Where can you add value to yourself and your organization. (That is key in moving forward in the world) Make sure you are strong, not only physically, but more importantly in your mind and your spirit. It will serve you well in the long run.
- Weaknesses: Where does your business or your personal life fall short? Be careful NOT to play the victim card here as it could turn into a lifetime “pity party” which will not be good in the end for any of us. What needs work if you want to continue to grow and prosper? The first thing is to acknowledge or accept WHO and WHERE you are in your life at this moment and then plan to create your own future.
- Opportunities: If you tend to be more optimistic in life, you just might see more opportunities that threats. The freedom we have as Americans, offers more opportunities for all nationalities and races. We are a country of hope, liberty, numerous choices, (both good and evil) that can often cripple us from seeing an opportunity right in front of us. If you don’t have a job today, you are NOT looking. Start small and have the energy and enthusiasm to better your circumstances.
- Threats: What factors can harm your progress or stop you from succeeding? Know your threats which may merely be your own fears, distractions, obstacles, or doubts. What risk and sacrifice are you willing to take to challenge yourself and your people to move past these threats? Yes, some threats are out of our control. But mitigate those within your control. It will be the wise thing to do.
My take on SWOT was that it was very useful in understanding what was in our control as an agency and what things we could do to challenge each other in being better or striving for excellence. Yes, business should get good results in order to thrive and prosper. But what is more important than results? PEOPLE of course! This is where a strong culture comes in. A culture of competence, integrity, caring, common sense and unity. Does your firm have all of these. If not, you may need some work. Are you growing as an individual or are you just trying to survive? We will all go through down times where circumstance might be difficult. But once you overcome your obstacles, distractions, and fears, life just might be a little more exciting and peaceful in growing your heart, mind, and soul.
Elevator Guy
Quote for the Day: “SWOT is cool, but strategic thinkers know that there is a point which: Strengths become weaknesses; Weaknesses become strengths, Opportunities become threats, and Threats become opportunities. Strategic entrepreneurs and leaders find the greatest insights hiding behind SWOT.” Richie Norton