Certainly we should take at SWOT at strategic planning exercises.
But why not take a SWOT at other things?
Why not take a SWOT at decision-making? For example, we could use SWOT when determining how to solve a problem or how to come up with various solutions for problems: we can use the 4 SWOT perspectives to generate solutions [IDEATION] or to test solutions [INTELLECTION] or both.
Why not take a SWOT at hiring decisions? We could assess various candidates under the 4 SWOT perspectives.
Why not use SWOT to fight perfectionism? If are not happy with another person's work we can look at that work from the 4 SWOT perspectives…as a test for reasonableness. Particularly, we can look at the risks and or the threats associated with accepting their work. And we can couple that SWOT with the ‘80% Rule’ where - if the work is 80% is good as we could do it ourselves then there's no need to be working to create a better solution. Obviously, this ties in with delegation – so, we can use SWOT to help us delegate more effectively.
When you think about it, we can take a SWOT at almost everything!