By ChartExpo Content Team
You’ve seen SWOT analysis in every strategy deck. Strengths. Weaknesses. Opportunities. Threats. It looks simple. It’s not.
SWOT analysis breaks when pressure builds. Teams list everything and end up doing nothing. Groupthink kicks in. Real threats get missed. False strengths stay unchallenged. That’s not a strategy. That’s a trap.
Most teams treat SWOT analysis like a checklist. They never question the lists. They don’t rank what matters. They miss timing. They chase trends. They trust strengths that no longer work. It all leads to confusion, wasted time, and poor calls.
There’s a better way to use SWOT analysis. One that forces clarity. One that filters noise. One that cuts through comfort zones and false starts.
Keep reading. You’ll see how to spot the failures—and fix them before they fail you.
In high-stakes environments, textbook approaches often miss the mark. Textbooks present SWOT as a neat and tidy process. But in reality, it’s like trying to build a sandcastle during high tide. The unpredictability of business means that factors change faster than one can adapt.
Moreover, these guides don’t account for the nuances of human behavior. When pressure mounts, decision-makers might overlook critical weaknesses. Or they might see opportunities where there are none. This gap between theory and practice can lead to poor strategic choices.
Teams sometimes fall into the trap of groupthink. When everyone agrees too easily, it stifles creativity. Imagine a band where everyone plays the same note. It might sound harmonious, but it lacks depth and innovation. In SWOT discussions, this can lead to overlooking vital insights.
Additionally, strong personalities can dominate the conversation. This can cause quieter team members to hold back valuable thoughts. It’s crucial for leaders to encourage diverse opinions. When everyone feels heard, the SWOT process becomes richer and more accurate.
Too many details can lead to confusion. When teams create endless lists of strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats, it muddies the waters. It’s like trying to find a needle in a haystack. This over-analysis can lead to decision paralysis, where nothing gets done.
Additionally, without a clear focus, priorities get lost. Instead of providing clarity, these bloated lists cause more questions than answers. It’s essential to trim the fat and focus on the most relevant factors. Doing so makes strategies sharper and more actionable.
Picture a tech startup facing a market crisis. They’ve built a product, but suddenly, the market shifts. They’re like a surfer caught in a rip current, pulled in a direction they didn’t plan. In such a situation, a well-executed SWOT can be a lifeline.
However, the team must avoid common pitfalls. They should focus on real strengths and weaknesses, not what they wish. Overlooking a competitor’s new feature or an emerging market trend can be costly. Staying grounded in reality is key to overcoming the crisis.
The startup must also recognize when to pivot. If a threat becomes too great, it might be time to adjust their strategy. By focusing on what’s truly important, they can navigate the turbulent waters of their industry. A clear-eyed view of their position will guide them to better decisions.
SWOT analysis offers a simple, cost-effective way to assess strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats, helping businesses align strategy with internal and external factors. Its versatility and team-driven nature foster collaboration and strategic focus. However, it can oversimplify complex issues, lead to vague insights, or suffer from bias if not applied critically. While it highlights key areas for growth and risk, SWOT requires regular updates and deeper analysis to remain relevant and actionable.
Aspect | Advantages | Disadvantages |
Simplicity | Easy to understand and apply; no technical skills required. | May oversimplify complex strategic issues. |
Cost-effective | Minimal resources needed; can be done in-house. | Lack of depth if not supplemented with other analysis tools. |
Versatility | Applicable to any organization or industry. | Generic nature can lead to vague insights. |
Structured framework | Encourages a balanced look at internal and external factors. | Risk of bias if team members are not objective. |
Team collaboration | Promotes discussion and consensus among team members. | Groupthink can influence the quality of outcomes. |
Strategic alignment | Helps align resources with strategic goals. | May not prioritize issues or provide actionable solutions. |
Time-efficient | Can be completed quickly, even in a single meeting. | Quick analyses can miss critical subtleties. |
Identifies opportunities | Encourages looking outward for growth possibilities. | Opportunities identified may not be realistic or feasible. |
Highlights threats | Raises awareness of external risks and competition. | Can create a focus on risks without offering clear ways to mitigate them. |
Periodic reassessment | Can be regularly updated to reflect changing conditions. | Requires continuous updates, or it becomes outdated and irrelevant. |
Strengths can be like a cozy blanket. They provide comfort and security. But sometimes, they keep us stuck in the past. Companies often rely on what they know best. This can stop them from trying new things. When businesses focus too much on their strengths, innovation takes a backseat. They miss chances to grow and improve.
Think of it like a race. If you only practice running on flat tracks, you won’t be ready for hills. The same goes for businesses. If they don’t challenge their strengths, they won’t be prepared for change.
Companies need to push beyond their comfort zones. They should explore new ideas and adapt to market shifts. This way, they can grow and succeed in the long run.
Strengths can become outdated. What was once a great asset can turn into a burden. Markets evolve, and customer needs change. Businesses that cling to old strengths may find themselves out of touch. It’s like using a flip phone in a smartphone world.
Companies need to reassess their strengths regularly. They should ask, “Do these strengths still matter?” It’s important to stay ahead of trends. This means investing in new skills and technologies. Businesses that adapt to market demands will thrive. Those that don’t could see their strengths become weaknesses.
Confidence is good, but too much can be risky. Companies proud of their strengths might overlook problems. This overconfidence can blind them to potential threats. It’s like wearing sunglasses at night. You miss what’s right in front of you.
Businesses need to balance confidence with caution. They should recognize their strengths, but not let them overshadow weaknesses. Companies that stay humble will spot opportunities and threats. This awareness helps them make smart choices and avoid pitfalls.
SWOT analysis is ideal for strategic planning, new ventures, and quick evaluations where a broad overview of strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats is needed. It’s perfect for aligning goals with capabilities and market conditions. However, it’s not suitable for complex, data-driven decisions requiring detailed financials or in-depth market research. Avoid relying on SWOT when precision and technical detail are crucial—it’s a tool for clarity, not complexity.
Aspect | When to use SWOT analysis | When Not to use SWOT analysis |
Strategic Planning | To align strengths and opportunities with strategic goals. | When detailed quantitative analysis is required. |
New Market Entry | To evaluate internal readiness and external opportunities. | When comprehensive market research is needed. |
Competitor Analysis | To understand internal positioning relative to competitors. | For deep competitive intelligence gathering. |
Project Evaluation | To assess potential risks and benefits before starting. | When complex financial modeling is essential. |
Resource Allocation | To prioritize areas where resources can have the greatest impact. | When precise resource allocation data is required. |
Crisis Management | To quickly assess internal weaknesses and external threats. | For long-term, in-depth risk management planning. |
Initial Business Assessment | To get a broad overview of business strengths and weaknesses. | When granular, data-driven diagnostics are needed. |
Innovation and Development | To explore how internal capabilities can drive innovation. | When specific technical feasibility studies are required. |
Change Management | To support transitions with a clear view of internal/external factors. | For highly detailed operational planning. |
Stakeholder Communication | To present a high-level view of strategic factors to stakeholders. | When in-depth stakeholder-specific analysis is required. |
Trends can be tempting. They lure businesses in with promises of success and growth. But not all trends are worth chasing. Some are like fashion fads—you invest heavily, and they disappear before you can bat an eye. This is the hidden cost of false opportunities.
Companies often jump on trends without proper analysis. They think, “Everyone’s doing it, so should we!” This mindset leads to wasted resources and missed chances for real growth. Instead, businesses should ask: Does this trend align with our goals? By focusing on strategic fit, they avoid the pitfall of false opportunities.
Spotting a strategic fit is like finding the perfect puzzle piece. It aligns with your goals and fills a gap in your strategy. Shiny distractions, on the other hand, might look appealing but don’t fit the big picture. To sort these out, you need an opportunity filter—a set of criteria to evaluate potential opportunities.
Consider factors like alignment with long-term goals and resource availability. Does this opportunity strengthen your core business? Or is it a detour that takes you off course? By using an opportunity filter, you can focus on what truly matters. It’s like sorting through a pile of rocks to find a diamond. Only the right fit will shine in the long run.
Timing is everything. Imagine standing at a train station, and the train arrives. If you hesitate, the doors close, and you’re left on the platform. In business, opportunities have windows too. If you’re not ready to act, they pass you by.
External factors like market trends and customer demand dictate these windows. They don’t wait for you to decide. A missed opportunity due to poor timing can be costly. It’s crucial to prepare, stay alert, and act swiftly when the time is right. Otherwise, you risk watching the train leave without you.
Sankey diagrams are great for showing where resources get lost. Picture a diagram where arrows represent resources flowing into different opportunities. When an opportunity drains resources, the arrows shrink or disappear. This visual tool helps identify misaligned initiatives early.
By using a Sankey diagram, businesses can spot resource leakage. It’s a clear way to see where investments don’t pay off. This insight allows companies to adjust their strategy and redirect resources towards more promising opportunities. It’s like plugging holes in a leaky boat to stay afloat.
The following video will help you to do SWOT Analysis in Microsoft Excel.
The following video will help you to do a SWOT Analysis in Google Sheets.
Self-sabotage is like a game of chess where you play against yourself. Every wrong move creates more threats. One common form is overconfidence. When a business thinks it’s invincible, it might ignore real risks. This can lead to unpreparedness and failure.
Another self-sabotage move is indecision. Not making a choice is still making a choice, often a risky one. This can stall progress and create opportunities for competitors. It’s like standing still in the middle of a busy street, hoping the cars will stop for you.
Slow burn threats are tricky. They’re like a pot slowly coming to a boil. You don’t notice them until it’s too late. One example is employee dissatisfaction. It starts as a quiet grumble and grows into a loud problem.
Ignoring skill development is another slow burn threat. As technology evolves, skills need updates. Without this, talent becomes outdated. These risks need attention before they turn into fires.
Macro forces are like the weather. They affect everyone, everywhere. In finance, ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) factors are growing. Ignoring them can leave a business out in the cold.
In tech, AI is the big wave. But it’s not just about new gadgets. Data privacy and fairness are big concerns. Getting these wrong can lead to big troubles. It’s like surfing without knowing how to swim. Being aware of these forces is key to staying afloat.
Static SWOT analysis is like wearing blinders. It forces businesses into a rigid grid that doesn’t accommodate change. Businesses today operate in environments that shift faster than a cat on a hot tin roof. A SWOT frozen in time won’t help you pivot when the market takes an unexpected turn. It’s a blueprint for inaction, not innovation.
In a world where agility is key, sticking to a static SWOT is like using a map from the 1800s for a road trip today. You’ll miss modern routes and end up lost. Businesses need a dynamic, ever-evolving approach to strategy, one that adjusts in real-time and keeps pace with change.
Using generic SWOT templates is like baking a cake from a box. Sure, it looks like a cake, but it lacks flavor and character. These templates don’t account for the unique aspects of your business. They result in bland strategies that fail to inspire or differentiate you from competitors.
When your SWOT looks like everyone else’s, you’re simply another face in the crowd. Your strategies become predictable, and customers notice. To stand out, you need a SWOT that reflects your distinct values and addresses specific challenges.
If your SWOT resembles a clone of others, you’re in trouble. It means your business insights are as common as a cold. This lack of originality can lead to strategies that don’t resonate with your audience. You risk becoming irrelevant in a landscape that values innovation and uniqueness.
Think of it like a band playing the same old cover songs. Sure, people might listen, but they’ll remember the band that played something fresh and exciting. Your SWOT should sing your unique tune, not echo the same old chorus.
A tornado chart can be a lifesaver in strategic planning. It highlights when strategic priorities are misaligned, blocking successful execution. Without it, businesses may repeat misfires, oblivious to the root cause. It’s like trying to play a piano with gloves on — you keep hitting the wrong keys.
This chart helps identify where plans go awry, allowing for corrective action. It’s a visual cue that something’s off, prompting a deeper look into strategic objectives. Without this insight, businesses risk operating in a loop of failure, never quite hitting the mark.
SWOT analysis can fail when it’s biased, vague, or outdated—leading to poor decisions. Common pitfalls include overestimating strengths, ignoring weaknesses, or failing to act on insights. To fix this, ensure diverse input, validate data with research, and keep the analysis dynamic. A SWOT is only as good as its execution: balance, honesty, and follow-through are key. By addressing these flaws, businesses can transform SWOT from a static checklist into a powerful, actionable strategy tool.
Aspect | Failure | Fix |
Lack of Objectivity | SWOT results are biased due to personal opinions. | Involve diverse, unbiased stakeholders for balance. |
Vague Opportunities | Opportunities listed are too general and unrealistic. | Validate opportunities with research and feasibility checks. |
Ignoring External Data | Analysis ignores market data or trends. | Incorporate external data and competitor insights. |
Overemphasis on Strengths | Focusing only on strengths while ignoring other factors. | Ensure balanced focus across all SWOT elements. |
Neglecting Weaknesses | Underreporting or dismissing internal weaknesses. | Encourage honest discussions about weaknesses. |
Static Analysis | SWOT not updated regularly, leading to outdated insights. | Schedule regular reviews to refresh the analysis. |
Groupthink | Consensus overrides critical evaluation. | Invite external viewpoints to challenge assumptions. |
No Action Plan | No follow-up or strategic action from SWOT findings. | Develop a concrete, actionable plan post-analysis. |
Misjudged Threats | Threats are underestimated or misunderstood. | Conduct risk assessments to better understand threats. |
Incomplete Stakeholder Input | Key perspectives are missing, leading to incomplete analysis. | Engage all relevant stakeholders in the process. |
Ignoring threats is like leaving your door unlocked at night. It invites trouble. Many companies fall into the trap of seeing threats as minor. They think these threats will go away on their own. The truth is, when ignored, they grow and lead to failures.
To tackle this, start by identifying all threats clearly. Then, create specific plans to counter them. Use your strengths to neutralize these threats effectively. By doing this, you break the cycle of failure. Consistent threat management turns potential pitfalls into opportunities for growth.
Not all factors in your analysis hold equal weight. Some have more impact on your success. Prioritizing these elements is vital. A weighted analysis helps you focus on what truly matters. This approach ensures you address critical areas first.
Imagine trying to win a race with a flat tire. You’d fix the tire before anything else. Similarly, when you weigh your factors, you can address the most pressing issues. This method helps you allocate resources wisely. Prioritizing leads to better results and keeps you ahead of competitors.
Static analysis is like using a map from 10 years ago. It doesn’t reflect current conditions. Markets change rapidly, and sticking to old strategies can be costly. Real-time analysis helps you stay relevant and responsive.
In a fast-paced market, you need agility. Regular updates keep your strategy aligned with current trends. This lets you seize new opportunities and dodge emerging threats. Real-time analysis is your compass in a shifting landscape. It ensures your business remains competitive and adaptable.
Let’s look at an AI firm facing constant regulatory changes. They update their analysis weekly, staying ahead of shifts. This keeps them informed and ready to adjust their strategies. They can quickly pivot, using their strengths to manage new regulations.
On the other hand, traditional firms often stick to old plans. They miss changes and struggle to keep up. Their static approach makes them vulnerable to regulatory surprises. The AI firm’s approach shows how regular updates can lead to better outcomes. It highlights the importance of staying informed and flexible.
Alignment between executives and teams is crucial for strategy success. When both levels share a clear vision, execution becomes seamless. Everyone works towards the same goals, using their strengths effectively. This unity ensures that strategies are well-executed and impactful.
However, when alignment is missing, progress halts. Miscommunication leads to wasted efforts and confusion. Teams might work on different priorities, diluting the strategy’s effectiveness. To avoid this, ensure clear communication and shared objectives. This fosters collaboration and accelerates execution.
Generic templates are like cookie-cutter solutions. They don’t fit every situation. That’s where specific SWOT templates shine. They push teams to dig deeper. Instead of broad categories, these templates require details. They demand clear insights into strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats.
These templates act like a detective’s magnifying glass. They help you uncover hidden details. By focusing on specifics, businesses can address real issues. They help you spot trends and patterns that generic templates might miss. This approach leads to more meaningful and actionable strategies.
Some teams treat their SWOT analysis like a living, breathing document. They update it weekly. This regular reworking keeps strategies fresh and in tune with current realities. It’s like giving your car regular maintenance to keep it running smoothly.
Fast-paced teams know the importance of staying ahead. By revisiting their SWOT analysis often, they can pivot quickly. This practice helps them anticipate changes and react promptly. It ensures that their strategies are always aligned with what’s happening in the market right now.
Aligning teams around SWOT priorities can feel like herding cats. But when done right, it brings harmony. Cross-functional teams come together to focus on shared goals. They understand the importance of each element in the analysis.
This alignment fosters accountability. Each team knows their role in addressing strengths and weaknesses. They collaborate on seizing opportunities and mitigating threats. This shared responsibility ensures that everyone is on the same page, working towards common strategic outcomes.
Choosing the right evaluation template can be crucial. It sets the stage for achieving strategic goals. A well-designed template guides you through the analysis process with ease. It helps identify areas of impact and influence, driving strategic results.
These templates serve as a roadmap. They outline clear steps and questions to consider. By following them, teams can keep their focus sharp. They ensure that the analysis remains relevant and actionable, leading to sustained success in achieving strategic objectives.
Picture this: you’ve got SWOT lists coming out of your ears. You’ve identified every strength, weakness, opportunity, and threat. Yet, decisions are as scarce as hens’ teeth. Why? Because more isn’t always better.
It’s tempting to think that more data leads to better choices. But often, it just adds layers of complexity. Instead of seeing clearly, you’re lost in a maze. It’s like having a map with too many roads and no clear path. You need focus, not just more options.
Saying “no” can feel like a superpower. It’s the ability to clear the clutter and zero in on what really matters. In SWOT, this means trimming the fat. Not every detail deserves attention.
Think of it as pruning a garden. You cut away the excess to let the real flowers bloom. By saying “no” to some possibilities, you make room for the best ones to grow. It’s not about having everything; it’s about having the right things.
Feeling frozen? You’re not alone. Many find themselves in analysis paralysis. But there’s a way out. It starts with setting priorities. Not everything can be top of the list, and that’s okay.
Imagine a juggler with too many balls. By focusing on a few, they perform with grace. The same goes for strategy. Choose a few key insights and act on them. That focus can turn a tangled web into a clear path forward.
SWOT and PESTEL serve different purposes. SWOT is like a compass, guiding businesses to focus on their internal strengths and weaknesses while also spotting external opportunities and threats. It’s perfect for strategic planning, helping teams align their resources and efforts effectively.
PESTEL, on the other hand, is like a weather forecast, giving insights into external factors like political, economic, social, technological, environmental, and legal influences. It’s handy when businesses want to understand market changes and prepare for external challenges. While SWOT offers a balanced view, PESTEL dives deeply into external elements.
Porter’s Five Forces offers a lens to scrutinize the competitive environment. It examines industry rivalry, potential entrants, supplier power, buyer power, and threat of substitutes. This model is invaluable for businesses aiming to grasp market dynamics and competitive threats. SWOT, however, is more versatile. It’s about understanding your own strengths and weaknesses, making it perfect for internal assessments.
Where Porter’s focuses on the battlefield, SWOT looks at the soldier. It assesses a company’s capabilities and areas for improvement, offering a broader perspective. Businesses use SWOT when they need a clear, comprehensive view of their situation, beyond just competition.
OKRs are all about setting and achieving specific goals. They guide teams with clear objectives and measurable results. However, jumping straight into OKRs without context can lead to misaligned goals. This is where SWOT comes into play. It offers the necessary backdrop, helping businesses identify their current situation.
By understanding strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats, companies can set more realistic and achievable OKRs. SWOT ensures that objectives are rooted in reality, not just ambition. This combination creates a strong foundation for success, aligning goals with the company’s actual capabilities and market conditions.
Imagine a tech startup aiming to launch a new app. Instead of drowning in complex models, they use SWOT. They recognize their strength in innovative design and a strong development team. They see an opportunity in a rising demand for productivity apps. However, they identify a threat in the form of established competitors and a weakness in limited marketing resources.
Armed with this understanding, they time their launch to coincide with a major tech conference, maximizing exposure. They focus on their strengths and address weaknesses by partnering with a marketing firm. This simple yet effective use of SWOT helps them navigate the market with precision and confidence.
SWOT analysis offers a broad snapshot of strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats, but other tools dive deeper into specifics. PESTLE explores external forces in detail, while Porter’s 5 Forces dissects competitive pressures. BCG Matrix zooms in on product portfolios, VRIO evaluates internal resources for lasting advantage, and McKinsey 7S ensures internal alignment. Unlike these focused tools, SWOT provides a flexible overview, making it ideal for initial strategy sessions—but best paired with other frameworks for deeper insights.
Tool | Key Focus | Comparison with SWOT |
PESTLE Analysis | External macro-environmental factors (Political, Economic, Social, Technological, Legal, Environmental). | PESTLE complements SWOT by offering a deeper dive into external factors; SWOT also covers internal factors. |
Porter’s 5 Forces | Industry structure and competitive forces (threats, buyer/supplier power, rivalry). | Porter’s 5 Forces is more detailed for competitive analysis, whereas SWOT provides a broader overview. |
BCG Matrix | Product portfolio analysis based on market share and growth rate. | BCG Matrix is focused on product strategy, while SWOT applies to general organizational strategy. |
VRIO Framework | Evaluating internal resources and capabilities for competitive advantage. | VRIO is more detailed on internal strengths; SWOT offers a broader view but less depth on resource evaluation. |
McKinsey 7S Framework | Alignment of internal organizational elements (strategy, structure, systems, shared values, style, staff, skills). | McKinsey 7S focuses on internal alignment; SWOT integrates both internal and external factors broadly. |
Start by identifying your strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. This foundational step sets the stage for deeper analysis. Next, layer in context by integrating other frameworks like PESTEL or Porter’s. This layering adds valuable external insights, creating a multi-dimensional view.
Testing the hybrid strategy is crucial. Use real-world scenarios to see how it holds up. Make adjustments based on feedback and results. This iterative process ensures the strategy remains relevant and effective. Over time, refine it to respond to changing market conditions and internal capabilities.
SWOT is great for assessing internal factors, but it can fall short on external elements. That’s where PESTEL shines. By examining political, economic, social, technological, environmental, and legal factors, PESTEL offers a thorough look at external influences. Together, they form a comprehensive analysis tool.
Using this dual lens approach prepares businesses for market shifts. It helps identify potential risks and opportunities that might not be obvious at first glance. This readiness can be a game-changer in adapting to new challenges and seizing emerging opportunities.
Combining SWOT with Porter’s Five Forces enhances competitive strategy. Porter’s model focuses on industry competition, supplier power, and buyer behavior. These insights are crucial for understanding market dynamics. By adding SWOT, businesses can align their internal capabilities with external pressures.
This combination strengthens competitive advantage. It helps businesses identify where they can leverage their strengths in the market. It also highlights areas where improvement is needed to fend off competitive threats. The result is a strategy that is both proactive and resilient.
Ruthless prioritization in SWOT analysis can be the key to success. By focusing on the most significant factors, businesses can avoid getting bogged down by unnecessary details. This approach simplifies decision-making and keeps the focus on what truly matters.
Cutting through the noise allows for a clearer strategy. It ensures resources are allocated to areas that will have the most impact. This focused approach leads to more efficient operations and better strategic outcomes. It’s about making the most of what you have without getting lost in the process.
SWOT analysis is a method used to assess four key areas of a business or project: strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. It helps teams focus on internal factors they can control and external factors they need to watch. This tool guides decisions by showing what’s working, what’s risky, and where growth is possible.
A SWOT chart is a simple grid that organizes strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats into four clear sections. It helps teams quickly see where they stand and where action is needed. This visual layout makes it easier to compare different factors and decide what to focus on first.
A SWOT diagram is a visual tool that displays strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats in a structured format. Often shaped as a grid or table, it allows for a quick view of key strategic factors. This diagram helps teams spot patterns, gaps, or imbalances that may affect decision-making.
A SWOT report is a written summary of the findings from a SWOT analysis. It outlines key strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats, providing context and detail. This report helps guide strategy by offering clear insights into where a business stands and what actions it should consider next.
A SWOT test checks if a business or project has correctly identified its key strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. It often involves reviewing whether the analysis is focused, relevant, and up to date. The goal is to make sure the results lead to clear and effective strategies.
Start by listing your strengths and weaknesses—what your team or business does well or struggles with. Then, identify opportunities and threats in your market or industry. Focus on real, current factors. Keep the list short and specific to avoid confusion. Review and use the results to shape decisions.
SWOT analysis is simple to start but hard to get right. It breaks when teams add too much or trust old ideas. It fails when no one questions the list.
You’ve seen how it can stall progress. You’ve seen how strengths can block change. You’ve seen how chasing the wrong opportunity burns resources.
Now you know what works. Keep the list short. Question everything. Focus on what matters.
SWOT analysis should help you move. Not freeze. The real strength? Action.