strategy clarification. Having said this, there is always still room for creativity and informed
hunches. After all, strategy evolves as much as or even more than it can be made deliberate.
Nonetheless, even creative and highly improvised strategies work best when grounded in real-
istic data.
WEB WORKSHEET
A SWOT is often carried out as a preliminary step to strategy clarification. SWOT data doesn’t
have to be 100 percent factual and objective—avoid analysis paralysis—but it should be based
on some form of footing (e.g., experience, group consensus, survey data, market trends, and so
on). In preparation for a SWOT meeting, ask the members of your workgroup to independently
complete this matrix.
Copyright McGraw-Hill 2000. Original purchasers of this book are permitted to photocopy or customize this worksheet by downloading it from
http://www.books.mcgraw-hill.com/training/download.The document can then be opened, edited, and printed using Microsoft Word or other word processing
software.
RELATED LEADERSHIP TOOLS
1.9 Paradigms 3.2 Sigmoid Curve 3.5 Strategic Resourcing
3.1 Strategy 3.4 Business-Unit Strategy 3.8 Strategic Alliances
FOR FURTHER ASSISTANCE
Drucker, Peter. Managing in a Time of Great Change.Truman Talley Books, 1995.
Hiam, Alexander. The Vest-Pocket CEO: Decision-Making Tools for Executives.Prentice Hall, 1991.
Ulrich, David, Jack Zenger, and Norman Smallwood. Results-Based Leadership.Harvard Business School Press, 1999.
78 SECTION 3 TOOLS FORSTRATEGICTHINKING
(clearly listed and with data as needed) (clearly listed and with data as needed)(clearly listed and with data as needed) (clearly listed and with data as needed)Strengths OpportunitiesWeaknesses Threats