Looking for a strategic planning tool that shifts focus from problems to potential? Enter SOAR analysis—a strengths-based framework that helps teams align around what’s working and envision what’s possible.
In this guide, you’ll learn what SOAR framework is, how it compares to SWOT, the steps to conduct one effectively, and access to SOAR templates to get started right away.
What Is SOAR Analysis?
SOAR Analysis is a strategic planning tool that helps organizations to identify their strengths, opportunities, aspirations and results. Jacqueline Stavros, David Cooperrider & D. Lynn Kelley introduced this framework in 2003, in their paper ‘SOAR: A new approach to strategic planning’.
Unlike SWOT Analysis, which focuses on both strengths and weaknesses, SOAR method emphasizes the positive aspects of the organization and its potential for growth and improvement. SOAR model can be used to create a shared vision of the future, align strategic initiatives with organizational values, and develop action plans to achieve desired outcomes.
When to Use the SOAR Method
Use the SOAR methodology when you want to:
- Align teams around a common purpose
- Build motivation and inspire innovation
- Involve stakeholders in collaborative planning
- Identify strategic opportunities for growth
- Translate aspirations into measurable results
It’s especially effective for visioning exercises, strategy retreats, change initiatives, and performance reviews.
5 Simple Steps to Conduct a SOAR Analysis
Step 1. Identify Strengths
Ask:
- What are we doing well?
- What are our core competencies?
- What makes us unique in our space?
Step 2. Identify Opportunities
Explore:
- What emerging trends can we leverage?
- Are there unmet needs in the market?
- What new technologies, partnerships, or innovations could we explore?
Step 3. Define Aspirations
Clarify:
- What do we care deeply about?
- What do we want to become?
- What kind of impact do we want to have?
Step 4. Outline Results
Measure:
- What outcomes matter most?
- What KPIs will we track?
- How will we know we’ve succeeded?
Step 5. Create a Strategic Action Plan
Act:
- Assign responsibilities and set deadlines
- Allocate resources and define deliverables
- Use tools like Kanban boards or task trackers to stay on target
SOAR Analysis Templates to Get You Started
Skip the formatting hassle. Use these ready-made SOAR matrix templates to collaborate visually with your team:
These templates are fully customizable—ideal for remote brainstorming, workshops, or strategic planning sessions.
Advantages of SOAR Framework
- It builds on your strengths rather than dwelling on your weaknesses.
- Fosters a positive, optimistic and appreciative mindset.
- Encourages collaboration, engagement and participation among stakeholders.
- Aligns your vision, mission and values with your strategy.
- Creates a clear and compelling picture of your desired future.
- Inspires action, innovation and change.
Limitations of SOAR Method
- May overlook or underestimate the challenges, risks and threats that you face.
- Too vague or unrealistic in defining your aspirations and results.
- Lacks specificity or detail in creating your action plan.
- It requires more time and effort to conduct than a SWOT Analysis.
- May not be suitable for every situation or context.
How to Conduct a SOAR Analysis with Creately
With Creately’s visual collaboration platform, you can run SOAR sessions that are interactive, engaging, and productive.
- Choose a SOAR matrix template from the library or build your own using the shape toolkit.
- Use Creately AI to quickly generate ideas, organize input, and streamline your SOAR matrix for faster, smarter outcomes.
- Collaborate in real time by inviting stakeholders to contribute ideas using sticky notes and dot-voting.
- Add depth with documents, links, and visuals attached directly to each quadrant.
- Track execution by converting your ideas into a Kanban board within the same canvas.
- Use comments and @mentions to streamline feedback and drive alignment.
The SOAR framework is more than a strategy tool; it’s a mindset shift. It’s about focusing on what can be, not just what is. By using SOAR, you empower your teams to dream big, act boldly, and measure what matters most.
Ready to start your strategic journey? Use our SOAR matrix templates and collaborate with your team to turn strengths into results.
FAQs About SOAR Analysis
Can SOAR be used for departmental strategies?
What’s the best medium for running a SOAR session?
There is no one best medium for running a SOAR session. You can use different methods depending on your preferences, resources and objectives. Some of the possible mediums are:
- Face-to-face meetings or workshops
- Online platforms or tools
- Surveys or questionnaires
- Interviews or focus groups
- Brainstorming or mind mapping
The important thing is to choose a medium that allows for effective communication, collaboration and participation among the participants.
