Humans tend to focus on the negative more than the positive. We process over 60,000 thoughts daily, many of which are repetitive and tinged with anger, sadness, or frustration. These negative thoughts can manifest in our behavior, leading to irritability, dissatisfaction, and difficulty connecting with our surroundings. As positive psychology founder Martin Seligman notes in his book “Authentic Happiness,” negativity bias is pervasive, even in media coverage where stories of sadness and tragedy far outweigh those of joy and happiness.
One powerful tool for shifting this perspective, both individually and organizationally, is appreciative inquiry. This technique involves asking questions that help individuals envision a brighter future. When someone dwells on a negative past experience, appreciative inquiry prompts them to consider the positive aspects or focus on future possibilities. Questions like, “What do you hope will happen next time?” or “What, if anything, turned out to be positive about that experience?” can redirect the conversation towards a more optimistic outlook and a path to achieve it.
Transitioning from SWOT to SOAR
The SWOT analysis (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats) is a well-established business model. Similar in structure, appreciative inquiry encourages the use of the SOAR framework (Strengths, Opportunities, Aspirations, and Results) to enhance decision-making and boost morale.
SOAR Analysis Framework
Strengths
Identifying strengths is the first step towards a successful strategy. It involves recognizing your existing assets and understanding how to leverage them. For example, Coca-Cola’s key strength is its brand recognition. Other strengths include its distribution network, skilled workforce, and market goodwill. Key questions to consider include:
- What differentiates you from your competitors?
- What do you excel at compared to others?
- What factors contribute to these strengths?
Opportunities
Similar to the “Opportunities” component of SWOT, this step involves analyzing potential growth areas and maximizing them. Opportunities can be categorized as internal (mindset, willingness to learn) and external (environment, training, relationships). Consider these questions:
- Are you open to new experiences?
- What is your attitude towards challenges?
- Are you in an environment that fosters growth?
- Does your current work hold future prospects?
Aspirations
SOAR emphasizes the importance of aspirations and the belief that anything is possible. Success is driven by ambition and the desire to achieve. For example, Amazon’s initial aspiration in 1994 was to become the largest book retailer in the US. As Amazon evolved, its aspirations expanded to encompass other products and geographies, while maintaining its customer-centric vision. Questions to consider:
- What are we passionate about achieving?
- What is truly important and desirable to us?
- Why have we set these specific goals?
- What does our ideal future look like, and how do we want to shape it?
Results
This final stage focuses on the outcomes achieved after implementing the previous steps. Predicting and tracking results provides valuable insights into the effectiveness of the strategy and ensures alignment with the overall goals. Consider these questions:
- What specific metrics will indicate our success?
- What additional conditions are necessary to achieve these results?
- How can we adapt our aspirations and results to refine our strategy and achieve our objectives?
Conclusion
The SOAR framework provides a powerful alternative to the traditional SWOT analysis, fostering a more positive and proactive approach to strategic planning. By focusing on strengths, opportunities, aspirations, and results, individuals and organizations can unlock their full potential and achieve sustainable growth. By shifting the focus from problem-solving to envisioning a desired future, SOAR empowers individuals and organizations to achieve greater success.
