SOAR Analysis Explained: Definition, Process and Practical Steps

Companies need tools that focus on what’s going well instead of just fixing problems. A SOAR analysis is a helpful planning tool that uses a company’s strengths to plan a bright future. This simple method matches today’s successes with new chances and goals, making it great for creating a shared vision. This article explains what SOAR analysis is, how it works, and how to use it step-by-step to improve your strategy.

What Is a SOAR Analysis Framework?

A SOAR analysis framework stands for Strengths, Opportunities, Aspirations, and Results. It’s a planning tool that helps organizations look at what they’re good at now and what they can do in the future using a 2x2 chart. This tool builds a positive, forward-looking plan that shows the company’s special qualities and links today with tomorrow’s dreams.

Unlike other tools that focus on weaknesses, SOAR analysis builds on what’s working. The top part of the chart shows the present (Strengths and Opportunities), while the bottom part looks at the future (Aspirations and Results). The left side covers things inside the company, and the right side looks at outside factors. This makes it a practical way to shape your strategy and turn ideas into action.

Understanding the SOAR Chart

The SOAR analysis chart is easy to follow and splits into four parts:

• Strengths: This part lists what your company does well right now. It’s about celebrating wins and special skills, not worrying about flaws. Ask, “What are we good at?” or “What makes us different?” Customer feedback can show hidden strengths that help sales and profits.
• Opportunities: This section finds outside chances to grow, like new trends or partnerships. It focuses on real possibilities, not wild hopes. Ask, “What trends can we use?” or “Are there gaps we can fill?”
• Aspirations: Here, you set future dreams and goals. It’s about thinking big and challenging the usual way. Ask, “What excites us?” or “Where do we want to go?”
• Results: This part turns dreams into clear targets using simple goals (KPIs) or objectives (OKRs). Ask, “How do we know we’re winning?” or “What do we need to track success?” This helps measure progress.

This setup makes SOAR analysis a useful tool for bringing your team together and pushing growth.

How to Do a SOAR Analysis in 5 Steps?

Here’s a simple guide to get started:

Step 1: Analyze Your Current State and Desired Future

Start with a meeting with coworkers and stakeholders. Use the top part (Strengths and Opportunities) to list what’s happening now, like good customer relationships, market growth, or nice feedback. Then, fill the bottom part (Aspirations and Results) with future goals, like hitting specific targets or entering new markets. Add lots of details to make your plan strong. Include employees, bosses, and even customers for different ideas. This teamwork builds a shared vision and gets everyone involved.

Step 2: Make a Simple Plan with Focus Areas

Brainstorming can bring up many ideas, so pick the best ones to focus on. Choose goals that are doable and make a big difference to connect now with your future. Use easy planning tools to organize these into a clear plan. Pick a few big wins instead of spreading out too thin. This keeps your planning tool practical and effective.

Step 3: Put Your Plan into Action

Turning plans into action is where it counts. Just sending a note won’t work, employees need to feel part of it. Without their support, they might stick to old ways, causing confusion and low energy. Share clearly by setting goals, giving tasks to people, and having check-in meetings. Use tools that link teams and show openness. This builds a culture of responsibility, lifting performance and happiness.

Step 4: Check and Review Your Progress

A SOAR analysis framework isn’t a one-time thing, it’s an ongoing process. After setting your plan, track how you’re doing against your targets. Without regular checks, it’s easy to fall back into old habits and miss goals. Use simple dashboards or software to watch goals and objectives. Catching problems early lets you fix them before they stop your plan. Regular reviews keep your team on track and ready to share wins with leaders.

Step 5: Adapt and Adjust to New Opportunities

Markets shift, and your SOAR analysis should too. What works today might not tomorrow. As your company grows, update the chart to match new trends or changes inside. This flexibility keeps your planning tool fresh. Adjusting helps you grab new opportunities and tweak goals, keeping your strategy in line with the future.

Pros and Cons of SOAR Analysis

SOAR analysis has good points:

• It’s simple and great for teamwork.
• It sets clear, action-focused goals with KPIs and OKRs.
• It brings departments together for one strategy.
• It creates a positive, flexible view.

But it has downsides:

• It skips weaknesses and threats, unlike SWOT.
• It might miss detailed data.
• Dreams and results can overlap with other plans.
• It focuses less on current market problems.

When to Use SOAR Analysis

Pick SOAR analysis based on what you need. It’s best for companies focused on growth and new ideas, not those dealing with big risks. A SWOT analysis is better for spotting threats. Use SOAR for inside discovery and future planning, not checking competitors.

Try it when you want a hopeful view of your strategy, especially for team agreement and goal-setting.

SOAR vs. SWOT: Key Differences

Both are planning tools, but they’re different:

• SOAR uses Strengths, Opportunities, Aspirations, and Results, focusing on growth.
• SWOT covers Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats, looking at good and bad.
• SOAR looks ahead and stays positive, while SWOT finds problems.
• SOAR pushes new ideas; SWOT handles risks.
• SOAR fits HR or inside goals; SWOT checks outside threats.

SOAR Analysis in Action: Examples

See how SOAR analysis works for real businesses:

• Etsy (Handmade Goods): Strengths are being a leader in handmade items. Opportunities are growing demand. Aspirations could be leading the market, with Results like 15% more users each quarter.
• Uber (Ride-Sharing): Strengths are its easy app. Opportunities come from fewer taxis. Aspirations might be ruling globally, with Results aiming for 50% growth yearly.
• TikTok (Social Media): Strengths are mobile skills. Opportunities come from phone use. Aspirations could be the top app, with Results targeting 100% user growth yearly.

These examples show how SOAR turns strengths into measurable wins.

Best Tips for SOAR Analysis

To make the most of SOAR analysis:

• Match HR or business goals with your plan by working with leaders.
• Include everyone, workers, managers, and bosses, for different ideas.
• Use HR data to track goals and tweak plans.
• Pick big, long-term dreams with clear steps.
• Treat it as a living plan, updating as needed.
• Share plans openly with stories to get people excited.
• Use strengths to catch new chances.
• Set SMART goals and check progress often.
• Get business leader support to push projects.
• Give employees ownership and ask for their input.

Wrapping Up

SOAR analysis is a flexible planning tool that builds on strengths and chances to create a future-ready strategy. Unlike SWOT, it skips weaknesses to focus on growth, using simple goals and objectives to track progress. By following the five steps, looking at now, planning, acting, reviewing, and adjusting, companies can turn ideas into results. Whether for HR, new ideas, or team unity, SOAR analysis offers a positive way to succeed. Start using it today to lead your organization to a bright future.