── ── Strategy
SWOT Analysis
SWOT maps internal Strengths/Weaknesses against external Opportunities/Threats, then generates strategies via TOWS cross-matrix (SO/ST/WO/WT). Rooted in Humphrey's SRI research (1960s–70s) and Harvard's "fit" logic — matching internal capability to external environment. The list is setup; strategy comes from the cross-pairs.
How it works
Produce a Strategic Audit — populated four-quadrant SWOT plus TOWS cross-matrix with actionable strategy options.
Step 1 — Define unit and purpose: what entity + what decision. Stop if the unit cannot be bounded with identifiable competitors. Step 2 — Strengths (internal+): comparative capabilities vs. named competitors. 3–5 entries. Regress-test: "Does our competitor also have this?" If yes, it's a market trait, not your advantage. Step 3 — Weaknesses (internal−): internal deficits. Distinguish remediable (12–24 months) vs. structural. 3–5 entries from exit interviews, churn data, cost benchmarks. Step 4 — Opportunities (external+): conditions that exist regardless of whether you are in the market. Use Five Forces for structural discovery. 3–5 entries. Step 5 — Threats (external−): external conditions damaging competitive position. Rate probability and impact. 3–5 entries. Step 6 — TOWS cross-matrix: SO (Strengths → Opportunities); ST (Strengths → Threats); WO (fix Weakness → Opportunity); WT (minimize Weakness×Threat). 1–2 specific, actionable statements per type. Step 7 — Prioritize: score by value, resource, speed to signal. Select top 2–3. Explicitly deprioritize the rest. Set review cadence.
When to use it
- user says 'SWOT', 'our strengths and weaknesses', 'internal/external analysis', 'strategic audit', 'what's our edge', 'competitive threats we face', or is beginning a strategy planning cycle, evaluating market entry, or preparing investor materials
When not to use it
user needs a purely quantitative financial model or precise numerical decision (use financial analysis instead); user wants to map competitive industry structure forces (use Porter's Five Forces instead).
Worked example
Netflix's 2010–2013 Strategic Pivot
Netflix's transition from DVD-by-mail to streaming — one of the most successful deliberate pivots in entertainment history — can be reconstructed from public filings as a SWOT-driven analysis:
Install this skill (free, MIT)
npx skills add deciqAI/knowledge-skills