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One of the first things I like to do with a new client is to go through a process called SWOT Analysis. SWOT is an acronym for Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats. SWOT Analysis is a technique business owners can use to evaluate areas within their operation that can be leveraged for competitive gain or focused upon to improve the business.

When you identify your Strengths, you are bringing into focus that which will give you an advantage over your competitors. Use these strengths as often as possible to improve your competitive edge.

Identifying Weaknesses can stifle and intimidate some people. We don’t like to look at our faults so we tend to minimize them. Be brutally honest with yourself. Recognize that you have strengths that can be used to overcome any shortcomings.

Opportunities are all around us. Don’t let your competitors have an advantage by not reviewing and acting upon opportunities as they present themselves.

What do we mean by Threats? Well, to some it could mean that your competition is closing in on your customer base. To others it could mean that government regulations are restricting some areas of your business. Whatever they are, identify them.

SWOT Analysis will help you see how you are positioned within your industry. Work on strengthening your weakness and removing your threats. At the same time, use your strengths to act upon your opportunities.

There is no better way to improve your business than to look at yourself in the mirror. Utilize SWOT Analysis at least twice per year. Document your findings and then update your vision and business plan accordingly. What? You don’t have a vision or business plan! Put that down as a weakness.

To Your Success –

Rick is a recognized business advisor and consultant. He specializes in working with small to mid-sized business owners to strengthen their business processes and ultimately grow their business. Rick has been accredited by the Institute for Independent Business, an International accrediting body for senior executives.

Rick holds an MBA from the LeTourneau University located in Longview, Texas.

Rick Stephens is the Principle Advisor of the Consulting firm RG Stephens & Associates located in Plano, Texas. Rick offers business owners the opportunity to meet confidentially to discuss any business issue they may be experiencing. His initial meeting is always free and without obligation. Call him at 972-578-7895 or via his website at http://rgstephens.com to arrange for an appointment.

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The South Australian Public Sector (SAPS), through the Office of Public Employment (OPE), have identified a range of middle management and executive leadership competencies that are considered essential to the effective operation of government departments and services. For those of us who are mere mortals, these competencies provide some useful directions for our own personal and professional development.

The definition of competencies adopted by SAPS originates from the Australian National Training Authority (ANTA), which states, “a competency is the specific knowledge, skills, abilities and behaviour applied within an occupation or industry to the standard required in employment”.

SAPS Middle Manager Competencies

OPE have identified 9 “Core Competencies” for all public sector middle managers, these being:

• Maintain and enhance confidence in public service
• Apply government systems
• Manage compliance with legislation in the public sector
• Manage policy implementation
• Manage resources
• Manage quality client service
• Influence workforce effectiveness
• Establish and maintain strategic networks
• Manage personal work priorities and professional development

This foundation is ideally supplemented by other generic middle manager competencies, which are identified as:

• Formulate business strategies
• Undertake research and analysis
• Recruit, select and induct staff
• Facilitate people management
• Manage budgets and financial plans
• Procure goods and services
• Develop a business case
• Manage risk
• Manage innovation and continuous improvement
• Provide strategic direction

It is interesting to see that the competencies address a range of administrative, planning and leadership elements within the role of middle manager. Not every middle manager will utilise each of these generic competencies in any given role. However, if you have an eye to becoming more “job ready” as a manager, it would be wise to look for opportunities to build and consolidate these competencies. The competencies could provide a basis of discussion and/or negotiation with your manager, with a view to your development as a professional. If your employer has an established performance management system in place, this is an ideal forum in which to explore opportunities for learning and growth.

SAPS Executive Leadership Competencies

There is an obvious increased emphasis on leadership, self-knowledge and self-development at the executive level in the SAPS. The SAPS has identified 6 Executive Leadership Competencies, described as:

• Creates Vision and Gives Direction
• Develops People
• Manages Resources and Risk
• Promotes and Achieves Quality Outcomes
• Understands Relationships
• Manages and Develops Self

The Executive Leadership Competencies are firmly premised on having a sound strategic overview of the environment and utilising available resources (including human resources) to achieve the goals of the organisation.

So What?

The competencies identified by SAPS are but one way of describing the requirements of effective leaders and managers. However, they are a very useful indication of the kind of personal and professional capacities that you will need if you are to pursue a career in middle management or high-level leadership. For more information on SAPS Middle Manager Competencies visit the relevant pages at the OPE website (www.ope.sa.gov.au). More information about the SAPS Executive Leadership Competencies can also be found at the OPE website (www.ope.sa.gov.au).

Other Resources

Are you interested in more information on First Line Management Competencies? The OPE website (www.ope.sa.gov.au) also provides information relating to First Line Management Competencies.

Lewis Stratton has extensive experience in middle and senior management roles and has published over 300 articles relating to Human Resources, Management and Recruitment & Selection. More information available at http://www.progressenterprise.com/jobready.htm or http://www.progressenterprise.com/

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