SOAR Analysis
A SOAR analysis is a strategic planning tool that stands for Strengths, Opportunities, Aspirations, and Results.
Unlike the traditional SWOT analysis (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats), SOAR focuses on positive aspects and encourages a forward-thinking approach to strategic planning.
Strengths: Identify internal attributes and resources that give us a competitive advantage. These could include skills, expertise, technology, financial stability, or a strong brand reputation. For example, a software development company might identify its talented team of programmers as a strength.
Opportunities: External factors and trends that can be leveraged for growth or improvement. Opportunities might include emerging markets, changing consumer preferences, or technological advancements. For instance, a cybersecurity firm might identify the increasing demand for digital security services in the wake of rising cyber threats.
Aspirations: Set ambitious and forward-looking goals that align with our core values and mission. These goals should be inspiring and motivate us to strive for excellence. For instance, a non-profit organization focused on education may aspire to provide access to quality education to underserved communities around the world.
Results: Develop concrete actions and strategies to achieve the aspirations identified earlier. Consider how we can create a roadmap and measure progress toward set goals. In our example, the non-profit organization could outline specific initiatives, such as partnering with local schools, fundraising campaigns, or curriculum development, to achieve its aspiration of providing education to underserved communities.
Navigate to the example version below in the dark section to see what a completed SOAR analysis looks like
Brief participants to fill out the cards for each of the following sections:
Strengths: Identify internal attributes and resources that give us a competitive advantage. These could include skills, expertise, technology, financial stability, or a strong brand reputation. For example, a software development company might identify its talented team of programmers as a strength.
Opportunities: External factors and trends that can be leveraged for growth or improvement. Opportunities might include emerging markets, changing consumer preferences, or technological advancements. For instance, a cybersecurity firm might identify the increasing demand for digital security services in the wake of rising cyber threats.
Aspirations: Set ambitious and forward-looking goals that align with our core values and mission. These goals should be inspiring and motivate us to strive for excellence. For instance, a non-profit organization focused on education may aspire to provide access to quality education to underserved communities around the world.
Results: Develop concrete actions and strategies to achieve the aspirations identified earlier. Consider how we can create a roadmap and measure progress toward set goals. In our example, the non-profit organization could outline specific initiatives, such as partnering with local schools, fundraising campaigns, or curriculum development, to achieve its aspiration of providing education to underserved communities.
Discuss and iterate what’s been generated, and assign any relevant next steps using the Action Items panel on the far right hand side
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