When a group is engaged in planning, we want to be sure that everyone comes to the table with vigor, creativity, hope, inspiration, information and openness.  SOAR analysis is a great way to "set the table"!  SOAR is similar to the well-known SWOT analysis  -   a core process often used in strategic planning.  Like SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, threats), SOAR is a method to establish a framework for planning based on an organization's understanding of its strengths and opportunities.   However, instead of focusing on weaknesses and threats, SOAR highlights aspirations and results. 

The SOAR approach is an Appreciative Inquiry  (AI) process.   One simple AI concept behind it is:  " What we seek we find more of. " 

  

"Aspirations" reminds me of James Collins' "Big Hairy Audacious Goal" or "BHAG".   In my experience organizations usually have one compelling aspiration like a BHAG  -- a clear, strategic goal to be achieved over time (e.g. 10 - 30 years or longer).   An organization's aspiration may be "tweaked" to respond to changing times, but it is always the "bottom line" answer to who and what the organization seeks to be and do -- what it wants to contribute in this world. 

  

"Results" are identifiable achievements that we commit to accomplish because of our aspirations.  Results are specific and measurable.  They are the benchmarks by which we know we are making progress toward our aspirations.   When I use the SOAR analysis in organizations, the desired results typically frame the goals and action steps of a strategic plan.  

  

Having considerable experience with both SWOT and SOAR, I prefer to offer the SOAR model to my clients.   My primary reasons boil down to three: time, energy and action.

  

SOAR makes best use of our precious resource of time.  It comes down to choice.  We can spend time going over why things aren't working or we can "get to the point" and talk about what we want to achieve.  When we make the choice to talk about what we aspire to and what results we want to accomplish -- we've gotten to the point.  Most of us don't value spending time on going over what isn't working (or hasn't worked).  We are relieved when our focus turns to getting clear about what we want so we can "go for it".   A "SOAR conversation" quickly gets to the heart of the matter.

ENERGY

SOAR generates energy for participation and collaboration.  Our energy is remarkably "up" when we re-frame weaknesses and threats.  It is more energizing to talk about what we want to achieve rather than what gaps we have to fill.   SOAR helps to maintain the focus of the conversation on what matters most to us and what we're going to do about it.   The energy-depleters of defensiveness, judgment, blame, and fear are taken off the table to make room for critical information, creative ideas, strategic thinking and enthusiastic collaboration.   When the conversation is focused on an organizations' best possibilities, the talk is infused with
excitement and anticipation.

  

ACTION

SOAR quickly gets to action because the results we want to achieve are invited onto the table from the start.   Talking about results we want to accomplish puts us at the threshold of action -- sometimes sooner than we might have imagined.   I find that the SOAR analysis gets people talking about desired results that don't all require strategic planning to be achieved.  SOAR sparks a readiness to talk. It's as if the SOAR process releases some of the obvious that people just haven't talked about  -- either because the occasion was never there before or because there was some fear or block attached to suggesting particular ideas or actions.

  

The SOAR process has a THRIVE rather than SURVIVE thrust to it.   Surely, we need to survive!   But think about the children in our lives (sons, daughters, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, godchildren, students, young people we love and care about ).   Think of one of them.  Ask yourself:  What do I want for him/her to survive?  What would I wish for him/her to thrive?  I bet your answers are a little, if not largely, different.  SOAR is about asking the THRIVE question.