In the world of strategic planning, tools like SWOT analysis have been staples for years. But what if your organization could shift focus from its weaknesses and threats to its strengths and aspirations? Enter SOAR analysis—a strategic framework designed to drive growth by highlighting what your organization does well and where it aspires to go.
SOAR stands for Strengths, Opportunities, Aspirations, and Results. Unlike other frameworks that often dwell on problem areas, SOAR is forward-thinking and action-oriented, making it ideal for organizations looking to align their capabilities with their goals. Here’s how it works.
Breaking down the SOAR framework
A SOAR analysis is presented as a 2x2 matrix with four quadrants:
Strengths
This quadrant identifies what your organization excels at. It focuses on the assets, resources, and capabilities that set you apart. Questions to ask include:
- What do we do best?
- What are our unique selling points (USPs)?
- What positive feedback have we received from customers or stakeholders?
Opportunities
This section explores external conditions that can drive success. It helps teams think about untapped potential in the market. Consider questions like:
- What market trends can we capitalize on?
- Are there gaps in the market we can fill?
- What collaborations or partnerships can benefit us?
Aspirations
Aspirations define where your organization wants to go. This quadrant is about envisioning the future and setting ambitious but achievable goals. Discuss:
- What inspires us as a team?
- What does our ideal future look like?
- How do we want to impact our industry?
Results
The final quadrant focuses on measurable outcomes. It aligns aspirations with clear, actionable metrics. Key questions include:
- What are our key performance indicators (KPIs)?
- How will we measure success?
- Do we have systems in place to track progress?
Benefits of SOAR analysis
SOAR analysis offers several advantages:
- Strength-Based Focus: By emphasizing what’s already working, it boosts morale and fosters a growth mindset.
- Collaborative Approach: It encourages input from across teams, creating a shared vision for the future.
- Action-Oriented: With a focus on results, SOAR helps organizations move from planning to execution seamlessly.
While SOAR is a powerful tool, it’s worth noting that it doesn’t address weaknesses or threats directly. To complement your strategy, consider pairing SOAR with SWOT for a more comprehensive view.
How to conduct a SOAR analysis
Here’s a simple process for implementing SOAR:
- Gather Your Team: Include stakeholders from various departments for a holistic view.
- Define Objectives: Be clear about the purpose of the analysis, whether it’s for organizational strategy, a specific project, or team development.
- Brainstorm: Work through each quadrant, using targeted questions to guide discussions.
- Prioritize Insights: Focus on the most impactful strengths, opportunities, aspirations, and results.
- Create an Action Plan: Assign responsibilities and set timelines to ensure progress.
SOAR analysis vs. SWOT analysis
Both SOAR and SWOT analyses are valuable strategic tools, each offering unique perspectives and benefits to organizations. However, their focus and approach differ significantly, catering to different strategic needs. SWOT analysis, which stands for Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats, is a comprehensive tool that delves deeply into the challenges and potential obstacles an organization might face. It provides a balanced view by examining both internal and external factors that could impact the organization's success. This analysis is particularly useful for identifying areas that require improvement and for developing strategies to mitigate risks.
On the other hand, SOAR analysis, shifts the focus towards the organization's potential and the positive outcomes it can achieve. It is a forward-thinking and optimistic framework that highlights what the organization does well and where it aspires to go. By concentrating on strengths and opportunities, SOAR fosters a positive environment that encourages growth and innovation. It is especially effective for organizations looking to build momentum and align teams around a shared vision, as it emphasizes collaboration and actionable results.
If your goal is to inspire your team, create a unified direction, and focus on leveraging existing strengths to achieve future aspirations, then SOAR is the ideal choice. It helps organizations not only to envision a brighter future but also to take concrete steps towards realizing that vision. By using SOAR, you can cultivate a culture of positivity and progress, making it an excellent tool for strategic planning and team alignment.
Start your SOAR journey today
A SOAR analysis is an excellent way to clarify your organization’s strengths and align them with future goals. Whether you’re planning for growth, launching a new product, or aligning your team’s efforts, this framework provides a positive and actionable path forward.
Ready to get started? Download our free SOAR analysis Excel Template and kick off your strategic planning with ease!
