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SOAR Analysis

A strengths-based alternative to SWOT that keeps the conversation positive and ambitious. The team examines its strengths and opportunities, articulates its aspirations and defines the results that will show those goals were met. By focusing on potential rather than problems, SOAR is well suited to strategy sessions and teams setting a bold direction.
Strenghts
Opportunities
Aspirations
Results
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What is the SOAR Analysis retrospective?

The SOAR Analysis retrospective is a strengths-based, forward-looking format often used as a positive alternative to SWOT. Instead of dwelling on weaknesses and threats, SOAR channels the team's energy into what it does well and where it wants to go. It is ideal for strategic planning, quarterly reviews, or any moment when a team needs both reflection and a clear sense of direction. The format uses four columns:

  • Strengths — what the team does well.
  • Opportunities — external possibilities to pursue.
  • Aspirations — what the team wants to become.
  • Results — the measurable outcomes that define success.

Strengths

The Strengths column captures the team's core capabilities, assets, and proven successes. Identifying strengths is not self-congratulation — it tells the team which foundations to build on and which advantages to lean into when pursuing opportunities.

Opportunities

The Opportunities column looks outward at favorable conditions: market openings, new technologies, partnerships, or unmet needs the team could address. Pairing opportunities with strengths reveals where the team can move with the most leverage.

Aspirations

The Aspirations column is about vision: what the team genuinely cares about and wants to achieve in the longer term. Aspirations give meaning to the work and help align day-to-day effort with a shared purpose.

Results

The Results column turns aspirations into concrete, measurable targets. What does success look like, and how will the team know it has arrived? Defining results keeps SOAR from becoming purely aspirational and connects it to real outcomes.

Benefits of the SOAR Analysis retrospective

  • Builds on strengths instead of dwelling on weaknesses.
  • Connects reflection to strategy and long-term vision.
  • Energizes the team with a positive, future focus.
  • Translates aspirations into measurable results.
  • Works well for planning and quarterly reviews.
  • Encourages buy-in by involving everyone in direction-setting.

How to run a SOAR Analysis retrospective

  1. Create a board in QRetro from the SOAR Analysis template and invite your team.
  2. Explain the SOAR framework and the scope you are analyzing.
  3. Give everyone time to add cards to Strengths and Opportunities first.
  4. Move on to Aspirations, encouraging bold, honest ambitions.
  5. Define Results together, tying each aspiration to a measurable target.
  6. Assign owners to the key results and save the board to track them.
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