Sterce model: The importance of strengths and weaknesses.

It probably won't surprise you: we love digital craft. What do you need to put a craft into action? Exactly, tools! Our tool is the Sterce Model. In this section, we walk through the entire model with you. This time we conclude the first stage from the model with strengths and weaknesses. 

In our last two posts on the Sterce Model, you've already read that the first step to achieving extraordinary results leans on defining your organisation from the 'why' and defining the core values that match that 'why'. That was an important first half of the first phase of the Sterce Model: deepening the organisation. The second half, then, is formed by strengths, weaknesses and facts. Three parts that let you know where to focus, but also what you have already experienced as an organisation. After all, you can also learn from experience.

Super strengths and weaknesses 

Mapping your strengths and weaknesses is necessary for a watertight strategy. With this analysis, you can ensure that the organisation takes the best path and makes the right choice that is parallel to the objectives. On top of that, you will find out where the priorities lie and what opportunities these strengths and weaknesses offer the organisation. 

Superheroes and their weaknesses

Do you have only strengths and no weaknesses? Think again! Even all famous superheroes have weaknesses. Batman can't make friends due to his meagre social skills, Spiderman doesn't amount to much when his spider web is up or in an open environment and Superman weakens from contact with 'kryptonyte'. Should any of them not know their weaknesses, they would not be able to survive.

As one of the most influential thinkers in history, Ralph Waldo Emerson, aptly described, "Our strength grows out of our weakness". To build strengths, we must develop our weaknesses. So, indispensable is being able to formulate your organisation's weaknesses. A brainstorming session with a team consisting of different disciplines can give a good overview in little time. As long as each team member looks at the organisation objectively.

Strengths and weaknesses session

During a session, discuss where concerns lie in the organisation. For example, ask why potential customers choose the competitor instead of your organisation. Ask questions such as "Is our budget holding back development?", "Can we deliver on future plans?", "Is our equipment up to date?" and "Are we happy with the current company culture?". 

Do we have a business plan?

4 types of weaknesses

What aspects, for example, can be assessed for weaknesses?

• Human strength: the team. Important here are the size of the team, diversity of the team or, for example, the level of education.
• Physical resources include aspects such as the location, building and equipment you have.
• Product and services: Unique Buying Reasons. Why do consumers buy my product or service and why not from a competitor?
• History includes reputation, status, experience and other components of current success. Has the company been around since 1754? Have you won awards of best webshop of 2015? All aspects that are important to include in the organisation's strengths and weaknesses.

I know my strengths and weaknesses now, what should I do with them?

Beautiful! Then you have already come a long way. When your organisation's strengths and weaknesses are already known, it's time to link them to the opportunities and threats you will identify in the in-depth market (phase 2 of the model). We explain exactly how to do this in the blog on opportunities and threats!