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SWOT to strategy converter

Converts raw SWOT inputs into a TOWS matrix of prioritized SO/ST/WO/WT strategic options, each paired with a rationale, feasibility rating, and a named owner-ready initiative — plus a top-5 ranked action shortlist. Use…

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Purpose

Turn a static SWOT list into a decision-ready TOWS strategy matrix — pairing internal factors against external ones to produce concrete SO, ST, WO, and WT strategic options, each rated for feasibility and impact, then narrowed to a ranked top-5 shortlist a leadership team can act on immediately.

When to Use

Invoke this skill when the user asks to:

  • Convert a completed SWOT analysis into strategic options or actions
  • Build a TOWS matrix from strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats
  • Translate a situational assessment into a prioritized action plan
  • Prepare a strategy offsite or planning-session deliverable from raw SWOT inputs
  • Identify which SWOT factors to leverage, defend, fix, or avoid
  • Rank strategic initiatives by feasibility and impact

Inputs Required

Before starting, collect:

  • Strengths: 3–7 internal advantages (capabilities, assets, positioning)
  • Weaknesses: 3–7 internal disadvantages or gaps
  • Opportunities: 3–7 external favorable conditions (market, tech, regulatory, competitive)
  • Threats: 3–7 external risks or headwinds
  • Business context: What the organization does and its current strategic goal
  • Strategic horizon: Time frame for the strategy (e.g., 12 months / 3 years)
  • Constraints: Budget, headcount, regulatory, or capability limits that bound what's feasible

If constraints or horizon are missing, assume a 12-month horizon with moderate resource constraints and note the assumption.

Instructions

Step 1: Normalize and Label the SWOT Inputs

Clean and number the raw inputs so every factor is referenceable in the matrix.

  • Assign each factor a code: S1–Sn, W1–Wn, O1–On, T1–Tn
  • Tighten vague entries into specific, testable statements (e.g., "good team" → "S2: engineering team ships features 30% faster than benchmark")
  • Flag any factor that is actually misclassified (e.g., an "opportunity" that is really an internal strength) and correct it before proceeding
  • If a quadrant has fewer than 3 usable factors, note the gap — thin inputs produce weak strategy

Step 2: Build the Four TOWS Quadrants

Generate strategic options by systematically pairing internal factors against external ones. Aim for 3–5 options per quadrant.

SO — Strengths + Opportunities (Attack / Leverage) Use internal strengths to capture external opportunities. These are the growth and offensive plays.

  • Format each option: "Use [S-code] to capture [O-code] by [specific move]"
  • These should be the most aggressive, upside-driven options

ST — Strengths + Threats (Defend / Counter) Use strengths to neutralize or defend against external threats.

  • Format: "Use [S-code] to counter [T-code] by [specific move]"
  • Focus on defensive positioning, differentiation, and resilience

WO — Weaknesses + Opportunities (Improve / Invest) Overcome internal weaknesses to unlock external opportunities you'd otherwise miss.

  • Format: "Fix [W-code] to unlock [O-code] by [specific move]"
  • These are capability-building and investment plays

WT — Weaknesses + Threats (Defend / Avoid) Minimize weaknesses and avoid threats — the survival and risk-mitigation quadrant.

  • Format: "Reduce [W-code] exposure to [T-code] by [specific move]"
  • Focus on damage control, exit, or hedging where a play isn't defensible

Step 3: Rate Each Strategic Option

For every option across all four quadrants, assign:

  • Impact: High / Medium / Low — potential effect on the stated strategic goal
  • Feasibility: High / Medium / Low — given the stated constraints and horizon
  • Time-to-value: Quick win (<3 mo) / Medium (3–12 mo) / Long (>12 mo)
  • Factor codes referenced: The specific S/W/O/T codes this option pairs

Step 4: Rank the Top 5 Priority Moves

Select the 5 highest-value options across all quadrants using an impact × feasibility screen.

  • Prioritize high-impact / high-feasibility options first; break ties by faster time-to-value
  • Ensure the top 5 span at least two quadrants — a strategy that is all offense or all defense is unbalanced
  • For each, write: the initiative name, the one-line rationale, the first concrete action, and a suggested owner function (e.g., Product, Sales, Ops)

Step 5: Write the Strategic Read

Close with a 3–4 sentence synthesis: what the matrix reveals about the organization's dominant strategic posture (grow, defend, transform, or turnaround), and the single most important move to make first.

Output Format

  • Structure: Normalized SWOT key → four labeled TOWS quadrant tables → rating summary → ranked top-5 shortlist → strategic read
  • Length: 900–1,300 words
  • Format: Tables for the TOWS quadrants and ratings; numbered list for the top-5; short prose for the strategic read
  • Sections: SWOT Key → SO Options → ST Options → WO Options → WT Options → Top 5 Priority Moves → Strategic Read
  • Tone: Strategy consultant — decisive, structured, opinionated; every option tied to specific factor codes, not generic advice

Quality Checklist

Before delivering output, verify:

  • [ ] Every SWOT factor is coded (S1–Sn, etc.) and each strategic option references specific codes
  • [ ] All four quadrants contain 3–5 options each (count them)
  • [ ] Every option has Impact, Feasibility, and Time-to-value ratings — no blanks
  • [ ] The top-5 shortlist spans at least two different quadrants
  • [ ] Each top-5 move has a named first action and an owner function
  • [ ] The strategic read names one dominant posture and one first move — no hedging

Notes

  • The most common failure is treating each SWOT factor in isolation — the value of TOWS is in the pairing, so every option must connect an internal factor to an external one
  • WT (Weaknesses + Threats) is the quadrant teams skip, but it's where survival risks hide — always populate it even when the picture looks strong
  • If the input SWOT is thin or vague, the strategy will be too; flag weak inputs in the SWOT Key rather than inventing factors to fill the matrix

How to use this skill

This file is a Claude Code skill in Anthropic's standard format — markdown with YAML frontmatter at the top.

Installing in Claude Code:

  • ~/.claude/skills/<folder-name>/SKILL.md — auto-loads in every session anywhere on your machine (recommended for skills you'll use across multiple projects)
  • <your-project>/.claude/skills/<folder-name>/SKILL.md — auto-loads only when working in that project (recommended for project-specific skills)

Restart Claude Code or open a new session to register.

Using in Claude.ai, ChatGPT, Gemini, or other AI tools:

  1. Drag this file into a new chat, or copy and paste its contents
  2. Send your task or request as your next message — the AI will apply the skill where it fits

For Claude Code skill details: https://docs.anthropic.com/en/docs/claude-code/skills