Insights from local experts and executives The Region this issue: [50] Massachusetts [52] Maine [54] New Hampshire [56] Rhode Island MASSACHUSETTS Go Ahead and 'SWOT' It! Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunity and Threats [by Mark S. Einhorn, Esq.] Sometimes a good SWOT is needed for managing boards to get on track and focus on the future rather than react to the endless stream of emergencies that spring up throughout the year. But I'm not talking about a Cher-like palm across the cheek. This type of SWOT is more introspective- cerebral rather than physical-and involves an exercise that is often used by professional business managers to map out an action plan for organizations that may be adrift, or have historically been reactionary rather than anticipatory with regard to planning. The acronym stands for: Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats. Identifying (and catego- 50 CONDOMEDIA December 2019 rizing) internal and external factors affecting your association can help boards (and their managers) identify and prioritize what action needs to be taken so that the associations and board members' time and resources can be maximized. BENEFITS OF STRATEGIC PLANNING Engaging in strategic planning as a group serves to vet ideas and weed out those which may not be the most important, and at the same time, helps train members of the group to work together and focus on the needs of the community.