Why Every Leader Needs a SWOT Analysis

John Roselli was unlike any other organized crime figure. Handsome and charismatic—earning him the nickname "Handsome Johnny"—he operated at the unique crossroads of organized crime, Hollywood glamour, and covert government operations. Roselli wasn’t just a mafia man; he was deeply involved in the movie industry, collaborated with the CIA on clandestine projects, and managed to avoid the early demise that so often befell those in his world.

When Roselli handed out his business card, it bore his name boldly alongside the single word “Strategist.”

Without the benefit of formal education or a business school degree, Roselli instinctively applied principles akin to SWOT analysis—Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats—to navigate his perilous environment. His ability to assess situations, provide sound advice to his partners, and deliver consistent results proved invaluable. This skill set not only kept him alive but also ensured prosperity for those he worked with.

For Roselli, this analysis was a matter of life or death. As leaders, while our stakes may not be as dramatic, we face our own dual challenges: the need to develop a personal strategy to improve ourselves and a professional strategy to showcase our value. The two are inextricably linked—without the former, the latter falters.

Roselli exemplified a deep understanding of his own strengths and limitations. By leveraging his talents, he walked a tightrope through one of the most dangerous fields imaginable.

There’s much we can learn from his approach.

• Strengths: These are internal attributes and resources that drive success. Assessing what you or your organization does well is crucial. Make it a habit to list your strengths monthly and measure progress. Remember, strengths only remain impactful if they continue to shine.

• Weaknesses: What areas need improvement? How are you addressing them? Improvement must be intentional and measurable. Like Roselli, avoid ventures that don’t align with your core strengths.

• Opportunities: These are external factors that allow you to showcase your talents and add value. This isn’t about self-promotion—it’s about leveraging your abilities to serve your team and organization effectively.

• Threats: External challenges can jeopardize success. Anticipating obstacles and crafting strategies to mitigate them is vital for sustained achievement. Nothing ever goes exactly as planned, so understanding and preparing for potential threats is key.

Leaders—and those aspiring to lead—should conduct a comprehensive SWOT analysis on a monthly basis. This practice helps us evaluate where we stand, where we’re headed, and how to improve.

Like Roselli, honing your ability to strategize gives you a critical advantage. Only by truly knowing your SWOT can you provide valuable insights, make informed decisions, and earn the title of "Strategist."

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