NFEMethods

Goal:: The goal of this method is to help participants identify their strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. This exercise promotes self-awareness, strategic thinking, and personal development planning.
Description:: “SWOT” is a self-development exercise where participants analyze their own strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. This method encourages participants to reflect on their personal and professional lives, identify areas for growth, and develop strategies to leverage their strengths and opportunities while addressing their weaknesses and threats.

Instruction
Step 1:: Introduce the concept of SWOT Analysis to the participants. Explain that they will be conducting a personal SWOT analysis to gain insights into their own strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats.
Step 2:: Distribute paper and pens to each participant. Ask participants to individually reflect and write down their strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. Give them 15-20 minutes for this reflection.
Step 3:: Once everyone has completed their individual SWOT analysis, divide participants into small groups of 3-5 people. Ask them to share their analyses with their group members and discuss common themes and insights.
Step 4:: In their groups, participants should identify common strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. They should also discuss strategies for leveraging strengths and opportunities while addressing weaknesses and threats. Provide large sheets of paper or a whiteboard for each group to document their discussion.
Step 5:: After group discussions, reconvene as a whole group. Ask each group to present their findings and strategies to the whole group. This encourages cross-group learning and idea sharing.
Step 6:: Facilitate a group discussion to reflect on the exercise. Encourage participants to share their thoughts on the common themes that emerged, how they felt during the analysis, and what they learned from the experience.

Additional tips:

• Create a supportive and non-judgmental atmosphere to help participants feel comfortable sharing their personal analyses.

• Encourage participants to be honest and introspective in their reflections, as this will enhance the depth and impact of the exercise.

• Remind participants that the goal is to gain insights and develop strategies for personal growth, not to compare themselves to others.

Debriefing question: How did you feel conducting your personal SWOT analysis?; What insights did you gain about your strengths and weaknesses?; Were there any surprises or unexpected realizations during the exercise?; How did discussing your SWOT analysis with others help you understand your personal and professional situation better?; What strategies did you identify for leveraging your strengths and opportunities?