Which leadership tool involves assessing a team's strengths and weaknesses?

The correct answer, which involves assessing a team's strengths and weaknesses, is SWOT analysis. This framework is designed specifically to evaluate both internal factors, such as strengths and weaknesses, and external factors, like opportunities and threats. By identifying these elements, leaders can gain insights into the dynamics of their team and formulate strategies that leverage strengths, improve on weaknesses, capitalize on opportunities, and mitigate threats.

SWOT analysis is particularly useful in a leadership context as it encourages a comprehensive understanding of where a team stands in terms of capabilities and the challenges it faces. This assessment allows leaders to make informed decisions about training, resource allocation, and strategic planning, ultimately leading to more effective team performance.

Other options, while valuable in different contexts, do not focus specifically on evaluating team strengths and weaknesses. PEST analysis looks at external factors—political, economic, social, and technological—that can affect the organization. Gap analysis identifies the difference between current performance and desired performance without specifically focusing on strengths or weaknesses. Risk assessment evaluates potential risks within a project or organization but does not examine team dynamics. Therefore, SWOT analysis is uniquely positioned to provide the insights needed for effective leadership development and team management.