SOAR Analysis
SOAR Analysis is a strategic planning framework developed by Jacqueline Stavros and colleagues in the early 2000s as an appreciative inquiry-based alternative to SWOT. Where SWOT dedicates half its frame to weaknesses and threats — a deficit-focused lens that can create defensive, demoralised conversations — SOAR redirects energy toward what is possible by examining Strengths (what we do exceptionally well and what we are most proud of), Opportunities (the external possibilities and market dynamics we can leverage), Aspirations (who we want to become and what we most care about achieving), and Results (how we will know we have succeeded — measurable outcomes and milestones). SOAR is grounded in the philosophy of Appreciative Inquiry, which holds that organisations move most effectively in the direction of what they study and what they appreciate. This makes SOAR particularly powerful in contexts where morale is low, change resistance is high, or teams need to reconnect with a sense of purpose and agency. It is not a naive tool that ignores problems — rather, it reframes challenges as constraints to be navigated on the path to aspirations, rather than as identity-defining deficits. In workshops, SOAR consistently generates more creative, commitment-based strategic conversations than SWOT, and produces action plans that participants actually want to execute.
How to run it
- 1
Set the appreciative frame (10 min): explain the Appreciative Inquiry philosophy — that this session will build from what works, not catalogue what doesn't. This is not naive optimism but a deliberate strategic lens.
- 2
Strengths (15 min): ask 'What are we best at? What resources, capabilities, and achievements are we most proud of?' Use a 'peak experience' prompt: 'Think of a moment when this team or organisation was at its best — what made that possible?' Capture on sticky notes.
- 3
Opportunities (15 min): ask 'What external trends, market shifts, or unmet needs could we uniquely capitalise on given our strengths?' Focus on genuine possibility, not just the obvious. Push for specificity: which customer, which trend, which window?
- 4
Aspirations (15 min): ask 'Who do we want to become in 3–5 years? What would extraordinary success look like for our customers, our team, and our community?' Encourage ambition. This is not a planning box — it is a vision box.
- 5
Results (15 min): translate aspirations into measurable commitments. Ask 'How will we know we've achieved this? What specific results would tell us we are on track — and by when?' Convert each major aspiration into 1–2 observable outcomes.
- 6
Integrate across quadrants: look for the golden thread — where do your strongest Strengths point toward the most compelling Opportunities and Aspirations? Highlight the strategic themes that emerge.
- 7
Prioritise and commit: identify the top 2–3 strategic priorities that best leverage the SOAR logic, and assign ownership and a next action to each one.
Tips
The shift from SWOT to SOAR is partly psychological. Brief participants clearly upfront — some will expect (and prefer) a problem-first conversation. Acknowledge this and explain why you're choosing a different approach.
Aspirations is the most important and most under-served quadrant. Give it real time. Vague aspirations produce vague strategies.
In the Results quadrant, push for leading indicators, not just lagging measures. 'Grow revenue 20%' is a lagging measure; 'increase trial-to-paid conversion to 35% by Q3' is a leading one.
SOAR works particularly well in the early phase of a strategy cycle. SWOT may be more useful later for risk analysis once the direction is set.
For large groups (20+), run SOAR in parallel breakout groups and then synthesise common themes in plenary.
Variations
For a team health variant, focus the Aspirations quadrant on team culture and ways of working rather than market outcomes. For a personal development context, SOAR works beautifully as a coaching or career planning tool with individuals. Combine SOAR with OKR Planning to translate aspirations directly into objectives and key results.
Where it fits
Frequently asked questions
When should I use SOAR Analysis?â–¾
Use SOAR Analysis when you want to: Annual or quarterly strategic planning with leadership teams; Change management and transformation planning; Team visioning and culture development workshops; New leader onboarding and direction-setting; Post-crisis recovery planning; Community or non-profit strategic direction sessions.
How long does SOAR Analysis take?â–¾
SOAR Analysis typically takes 60–120 minutes.
How many participants does SOAR Analysis work for?â–¾
SOAR Analysis works best for groups of 4–30 participants.
What materials do I need for SOAR Analysis?â–¾
To run SOAR Analysis you will need: SOAR template (4-quadrant grid), Sticky notes, Markers, Flip chart paper, Dot voting stickers.
How difficult is SOAR Analysis to facilitate?â–¾
SOAR Analysis is rated beginner — straightforward to facilitate even without prior experience.
Plan your next workshop with AI
Workshop Weaver helps you combine methods like SOAR Analysis into a complete, timed agenda in minutes.
Try it freeMethod descriptions on Workshop Weaver are original content written by our team, based on established facilitation practices. This method was inspired by work from Jacqueline Stavros, David Cooperrider & D. Lynn Kelley.