Navigating Change: An Introduction to the SOAR Model

What is the SOAR Model?

The SOAR model is a strategic planning framework rooted in appreciative inquiry. Unlike traditional problem-solving models that focus on what's wrong, SOAR begins by identifying what's already working well. It helps teams and organizations build on their existing strengths to envision a desired future and achieve meaningful results.

SOAR is an acronym for:

Strengths
Opportunities
Aspirations
Results

This approach is particularly valuable in a university setting, where it can foster a more positive and collaborative environment by focusing on shared successes and potential rather than deficits.

The Four Components

Strengths

Strengths are the positive attributes and capabilities within your department, team, or project. This is the foundation of the SOAR model. By focusing on what you do best, you can identify the core competencies to build upon.

Questions to ask:
- What are we proud of?
- What unique skills, knowledge, or expertise do our staff and faculty have?
- What are our greatest assets?
- What processes or relationships are most effective?

Opportunities

Opportunities are the external factors and conditions that can be leveraged to your advantage. This step connects your internal strengths to the external environment, identifying where you can make the greatest impact.

Questions to ask:
- What trends are emerging in higher education or the CLA?
- What new technologies, partnerships, or collaborations could benefit us?
- What are our stakeholders’ greatest needs?
- How can our strengths help us meet those needs?

Aspirations

Aspirations are the shared vision for the future. This is where you move from what "is" to what "could be." It is a creative, forward-looking step that defines your collective goals and dreams for the organization.

Questions to ask:
- What is our collective vision for the future?
- What impact do we want to have on our students, faculty, and the college?
- What are our long-term goals and why are they important to us?
- What would success look like in five years?

Results

Results are the measurable outcomes that will let you know you have achieved your aspirations. This step ensures that your vision is translated into concrete, actionable steps and provides a way to track progress.

Questions to ask:
- How will we know we are successful?
- What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) for our aspirations?
- How will we measure our progress toward our goals?
- What short-term wins will lead to long-term success?

How to Facilitate a SOAR Session in a University Setting

Preparation: Introduce the SOAR model to your team, explaining its appreciative, strength-based focus. This sets a positive tone for the session.
Strength & Opportunity Brainstorm: Begin by having participants individually brainstorm ideas for the "Strengths" and "Opportunities" quadrants. This ensures every voice is heard.
Group Discussion: Facilitate a discussion to share and group the ideas. Look for common themes and surprising insights.
Envision Aspirations: With a clear understanding of your strengths and opportunities, move to brainstorming "Aspirations." Encourage participants to think big and be aspirational, focusing on a future they are excited to create.
Define Results: Finally, work as a group to define the "Results" that will demonstrate progress toward your aspirations. This grounds your vision in reality and makes it actionable.

By using the SOAR model, you can build on the best of your past and present to create a dynamic and exciting future.

SOAR Model