S.O.A.R. Planning Model Overview
What it is and how to use it effectively
S.O.A.R. Planning Model Overview
What is it
SOAR stands for Strengths, Opportunities, Aspirations, and Results. It is a strategic planning framework that guides organizations in setting and achieving goals. The model focuses on building on the organization’s strengths and aligning opportunities with aspirations to generate positive results. SOAR is an alternative to the more traditional SWOT analysis (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats), which focuses more on identifying weaknesses and threats.
How It Works
The SOAR model engages stakeholders collaboratively to identify and leverage the organization’s internal strengths and external opportunities. Here’s a breakdown of each component:
Strengths: Identifying what the organization excels at, its core capabilities, and unique assets.
Opportunities: Recognizing external trends, emerging markets, or conditions that can create potential for growth or improvement.
Aspirations: Understanding the organization’s long-term vision, goals, and desired impact.
Results: Defining measurable outcomes that reflect the organization’s success in achieving its aspirations.
The process involves gathering input from key stakeholders, discussing each of the four elements, and then creating an actionable strategy that aligns the organization’s strengths with its aspirations and opportunities, with specific results to measure success.
Developer and History
SOAR was developed by Dr. Jacqueline M. Stavros, a professor at the University of Michigan-Dearborn, in the early 2000s. The model is grounded in Appreciative Inquiry (AI), a strengths-based approach to organizational development. David Cooperrider and Suresh Srivastava developed AI in the 1980s to focus on what works well within an organization rather than solely on problems.
Usage of SOAR
SOAR is widely used in strategic planning processes across organizations of various sizes and sectors, particularly those looking to foster a positive, forward-thinking culture. Some key ways SOAR is applied include:
Strategic Planning: Developing long-term visions and actionable strategies.
Organizational Development: Strengthening organizational culture by focusing on what works and what employees and stakeholders value.
Leadership Development: Helping leaders understand their organization’s core competencies and future direction.
Team Building: Fostering collaboration through strengths-focused discussions.
Best-Fit Organizations
SOAR works best in organizations that:
Have a positive, forward-thinking culture or wish to develop one.
They are focused on long-term goals and growth, rather than just mitigating immediate threats.
Value collaborative, inclusive planning and the active involvement of stakeholders.
We are in a growth phase and looking to leverage opportunities rather than just fixing problems.
Prioritize innovation and adaptability.
Strengths of the SOAR Model
Positive Focus: SOAR’s emphasis on strengths and opportunities fosters a more optimistic and empowering planning environment.
Engagement: The model fosters widespread participation from a diverse group of stakeholders, leading to more creative and well-rounded solutions.
Actionable Outcomes: By focusing on aspirations and results, SOAR leads to concrete plans with measurable outcomes.
Future-Focused: It aligns the organization’s vision with external trends and emerging opportunities, making it adaptable to change.
Weaknesses of the SOAR Model
Limited Focus on Challenges: While strengths and opportunities are emphasized, SOAR does not directly address weaknesses and threats, unlike SWOT. This can sometimes lead to a lack of preparedness for potential risks or challenges.
Requires High Engagement: The model’s success depends on active participation from a wide range of stakeholders, which can be time-consuming and resource-intensive.
Abstract in Nature: SOAR’s broader and more aspirational approach might feel less practical or tangible for organizations that are more tactical or need immediate solutions.
Risk of Overoptimism: The focus on strengths and opportunities can sometimes lead to overly optimistic planning, ignoring potential downsides or the need for contingency planning.
Conclusion
The SOAR planning model is a strengths-based approach to strategic planning that fosters engagement and positive, future-oriented decision-making. It best suits organizations that align their core strengths with emerging opportunities while focusing on long-term aspirations and measurable results. However, it may not be as helpful in highly tactical, short-term planning or for organizations that must address weaknesses and threats as part of their strategy.