Many people have participated in, or are familiar with, SWOT Analysis. In a SWOT Analysis, participants identify an Organization’s Strengths and Weaknesses, as well as some of the Opportunities and Threats confronting the organization in the marketplace or the industry that it is a part of. A SWOT analysis focusses on the present and considers both an internal (Strength and Weaknesses) and external (opportunities and threats) perspective, providing a balanced, insightful, and enlightened view of the organization at the present time. For this reason, they are often the centerpiece of comprehensive Organizational Assessment.

Lesser known, but equally useful is the SOAR Analysis. In a SOAR analysis, participants purposely shift focus on the desired future state of the organization by adding to the identification of Strengths and Opportunities the identification of Aspirations and Results. Note that the two more positive (or better said, the more enabling) elements of SWOT Analysis are retained in a SOAR Analysis. However, as these potential means would be pointless without ends, the SOAR Analysis requires identification of Aspirations and Results, thereby providing measureable outcomes. The SOAR Analysis, then, is future focused, making it an ideal tool for initiating and inspiring the identification of an organization’s desired future state, which will ultimately be expressed as a Vision or set of Goals and associated measures.

SOAR Analysis can be used independently or in conjunction with a SWOT Analysis. It provides an easily understood and productive starting point for Board and Leaders to develop a Vision or Goals. If you would like help in using SOAR analysis to develop a Vision or Goals for your organization, contact me at your convenience.