S.W.O.T.

SWOT analysis, which stands for strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats, is a tried and true technique to use when it comes to problem solving and creative idea generation.

Recognizing the positives, negatives, and unknown factors of any problem will ensure you are strategic in your approach to solving it.

Here are the basics of what to do:

1. Start by identifying your problem or goal at the top of the page.
2. Draw a grid below your problem with four quadrants. Label the top left quadrant as Strengths, the top right as Weaknesses, the bottom left as Opportunities, and the bottom right as Threats.
3. List out as many details as you can about your problem as they relate to each of the categories. Think through the strengths of your situation, the weaknesses, the potential opportunities, and the threats that might stand in your way.
4. Once each category is filled, narrow your list by identifying the most relevant or useful items in each category.
5. Now, use this list to solve your problem by focusing on ways to take advantage of your strengths, address your weaknesses, utilize your unique opportunities, or prepare for your potential threats.