SOAR Analysis
Great topics from everyone here.
I have found that for most groups, when conducting SWOT analysis, there is a
tendency to spend the bulk of the time addressing the negatives (Weaknesses and Threats). The reason for this is that our brains register negative events, experiences etc much more strongly than positive and as a result we spend more time discussing how to minimize the negatives rather than maximize the strengths in order to take advantage of opportunities.
That's why over the last few years I have shifted away from SWOT (although I still use it in some settings) and first use SOAR (Strengths, Opportunities, Aspirations and Results). This comes out of
Appreciative Inquiry. I don't want to ignore the negatives but the fact is we too naturally address the negatives and deal with them.
So for strategic planning purposes SOAR analysis can help shifting to a focus on the positive before addressing the concerns raised by weaknesses and threats.
Thoughts welcome.
Log in
Translate
