In a team-centric and purpose-driven business world, traditional strategy tools like SWOT analysis can sometimes feel too focused on problems, risks, and limitations. That’s where SOAR analysis comes in.
Instead of dissecting what’s wrong, SOAR invites you to explore what’s strong.
What Is SOAR Analysis?
SOAR stands for:
- Strengths – What are we doing well?
- Opportunities – What can we capitalise on?
- Aspirations – What do we want to achieve?
- Results – How Will We Know We’re Succeeding?
It’s a strategic planning tool that helps teams and leaders identify their strengths, align around a shared vision, and plan for measurable, positive outcomes. Unlike SWOT, SOAR Analysis focuses entirely on the best of what is and what could be, making it ideal for team alignment, vision planning, and organisational development.
Why Choose SOAR Over SWOT?
| SWOT ANALYSIS | SOAR ANALYSIS |
|---|---|
| Focuses on problems (Weaknesses, Threats) | Focuses on possibilities (Aspirations, Results) |
| Often used for risk management | Designed for visioning and growth |
| Can feel negative or defensive | Creates motivation and momentum |
| Suited for static analysis | Better for collaborative strategy sessions |
SOAR doesn’t replace SWOT entirely—it complements it when you want a more inspiring, forward-thinking approach.
A Closer Look at the SOAR Elements
Let’s break down each component of SOAR and how to explore them in a workshop or strategic planning session:
1. Strengths
What are we doing well? What makes us unique?
This part celebrates your core competencies and what gives you a competitive edge. It could be your team’s culture, customer service, brand reputation, or proprietary tech.
Ask:
- What do others admire or praise about us?
- What are we most proud of?
- What are our greatest assets, capabilities, and achievements?
Example:
A SaaS company identifies strengths like user-friendly UX, rapid product iteration, and excellent customer support.
2. Opportunities
Where are the chances to grow, improve, or lead?
This category explores external possibilities and areas for expansion or evolution. It’s about being proactive—spotting trends, innovations, or underserved customer needs.
Ask:
- What changes or trends can we capitalise on?
- Are there new markets or technologies we could explore?
- How can we use our strengths in new ways?
Example:
The same SaaS team sees opportunities in integrating AI agents into their platform, responding to a rising demand for intelligent workflow tools.
3. Aspirations
What do we care deeply about achieving?
This is the visioning part of the SOAR process. It’s not just “what do we want to do” but “who do we want to be?” Aspirations help unite the team around shared values and long-term goals.
Ask:
- What kind of company do we want to become?
- What’s the impact we want to make in the world?
- What future would make us proud?
Example:
The SaaS team aspires to become the go-to platform for AI-enhanced productivity tools, empowering teams to work smarter, not harder.
4. Results
How will we measure success?
Aspirations without results are just dreams. This step grounds vision in specific, measurable outcomes—KPIs, milestones, or success indicators.
Ask:
- What results will prove we’re making progress?
- How will we track our impact?
- What metrics matter most?
Example:
The team sets goals, such as a 25% increase in task completion rates and a 40% reduction in time spent on repetitive tasks.
How to Run a SOAR Analysis Session
SOAR analysis works best as a collaborative exercise, encouraging different perspectives from across your team or organisation.
Here’s a simple step-by-step process:
Step 1: Set the Stage
Choose a focus area: a new product, a company strategy, a team dynamic, or a specific process. Explain the SOAR framework and its intention to build on the positive.
Step 2: Gather Input
Use a whiteboard, digital tool, or sticky notes for each SOAR category. Give people time to brainstorm ideas for each quadrant.
Encourage open discussion around:
- Strengths we should protect
- Opportunities we should pursue
- Aspirations we feel connected to
- Results that would indicate success
Step 3: Cluster and Prioritise
Group similar ideas and highlight key themes. Identify quick wins, stretch goals, and items requiring leadership alignment or further planning.
Step 4: Turn into Strategy
Translate the SOAR output into action:
- Set objectives and key results (OKRs)
- Create strategic roadmaps
- Assign ownership for initiatives
Example SOAR Analysis: AI-Enabled Process Management Tool
| Category | Example Insights |
|---|---|
| Strengths | Strong UX, fast iteration cycles, responsive support, deep understanding of workflows |
| Opportunities | Rise in AI adoption, shift to hybrid/remote work, demand for human-in-the-loop systems |
| Aspirations | Become the leader in smart productivity solutions that balance automation and human insight |
| Results | 2x increase in enterprise clients, 50% faster onboarding, AI agent usage in 75% of user processes |
When to Use SOAR Analysis
SOAR is ideal when you want to:
- Energise a team around a new vision
- Plan for growth or change
- Reinvent or reposition your brand or product
- Create alignment across leadership or departments
- Reflect on progress in a positive, forward-thinking way
It’s especially powerful in:
- Startups or scaleups seeking clarity and momentum
- Nonprofits or values-led orgs wanting mission alignment
- Agile teams looking to improve without dwelling on failure
SOAR vs SWOT: Which One Should You Use?
| Use SWOT when… | Use SOAR when… |
|---|---|
| You need to assess risks or threats | You want to inspire a team or craft a vision |
| You’re doing market or competitive analysis | You’re planning for growth, innovation, or culture |
| You’re solving problems reactively | You’re building momentum proactively |
| You want a full situational snapshot | You want values-based, people-first strategy |
Many organisations use both SWOT for comprehensive analysis and SOAR for vision building.
The Power of Positive Strategy
SOAR analysis flips the script on strategic planning. Instead of obsessing over problems and competition, it asks:
“What’s working? What’s possible? And how do we build a better future together?”
This positive, inclusive framework isn’t just good for morale — it’s good for business. It brings teams together, unlocks creativity, and focuses energy on what matters most.
So the next time you’re facing a whiteboard and wondering how to plan what’s next… consider soaring instead of swotting.