Who is evaluating YOU?

Written by: Suzanne Hopson | As we approach the new year, it's essential for CEOs, COOs, and entrepreneurs to take a step back from the daily grind and focus on strategic self-assessment and leadership alignment. Often, the demands of running a business leave little time for introspection and strategic planning. However, dedicating time to work "on" the business rather than just "in" it can yield significant benefits.  Sometimes, that self-reflection is a window of opportunity to finetune your visionary abilities.

Have you ever done a SWOT on yourself?  effective method for finding the blind spots is conducting a personal SWOT analysis and examining your leadership strategy alongside your business strategy. We know what a SWOT is but as a reminder, a SWOT analysis—assessing Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats— is a powerful tool not just for businesses, but for personal development as well. Start by identifying your core competencies and unique skills. Reflect on past successes and the qualities that contributed to them. Consider feedback from peers and team members to gain a comprehensive view.

Next, acknowledge areas where you need improvement. Be honest about skills or habits that may be hindering your effectiveness and seek constructive criticism. I know what you are thinking; who is going to take the risk of telling me the truth? Think about your network outside of work. Have a mentor or bestie that will tell you straight? Encourage your team to speak up too. It creates a culture of continuous and non-threatening feedback when your team can see the big boss doesn't get his or her feathers ruffled. Are you still learning about your business and the competitive landscape? Are you attending to your own self-development (because it never ends!) with intention?

Once you've completed your personal SWOT analysis, it's time to align your leadership strategy with your business strategy. This alignment ensures that your personal growth supports the overall direction of your company. Revisit your company's vision and long-term goals, ensuring your personal objectives are in sync with these goals. Set clear, actionable steps to bridge any gaps. Reflect on your leadership style and its impact on your team, adapt your approach to better support your business strategy, and foster a culture of continuous improvement and innovation. Integrate your personal development plan into the company's strategic planning process, encourage your leadership team to conduct their own SWOT analyses, and create a roadmap that aligns personal and organizational growth. Establish mechanisms for regular feedback and accountability, use performance metrics to track progress and make adjustments as needed, and celebrate successes while learning from setbacks. Did you WIN the Year? What do your results really say about the health of the business.

Taking the time to conduct a personal SWOT analysis and align your leadership strategy with your business strategy is not just a year-end exercise—it's an investment in your future success. By stepping back and working "on" the business, you can ensure that both you and your company are well-positioned to thrive in the coming year. Now, let's start climbing!