Once you have selected the organization, identify a strategic goal through preforming a SWOT analysis within your sphere of influence. For example, if you are not currently in a management or leadership position, it is acceptable to focus on a more focused area of your organization you are currently in a position to impact. If you are a classroom teacher, perhaps you see opportunities for improving access to technology in your district. If you are a nurse, perhaps you see opportunities to improve communication processes in your department, etc.

Consider the following guiding questions as you complete the SWOT Analysis:

What are the recognized strengths of your identified area?

What does your identified area do better than other companies?

What unique capabilities or resources does you identified area possess?

What do other companies consider to be your strength?

What are the recognized weaknesses of your identified area?

What do competitors do better than your identified area?

What areas can be improved at your current position?

What do other companies consider to be your weakness?

What trends or conditions impact the company in a positive way?

What opportunities exist for the identified area?

What trends or conditions impact the identified area in a negative way?

What is the competition doing that may have an impact on your identified area?

Does your identified area have solid financial support?