How can you help coachees focus on the future with the SOAR model?

1 What is the SOAR model?

The SOAR model is an acronym that stands for Strengths, Opportunities, Aspirations, and Results. It is a strategic planning and coaching framework that helps coachees identify and leverage their strengths, explore and seize opportunities, articulate and align their aspirations, and define and measure their results. The SOAR model is based on the principles of appreciative inquiry, a positive and generative approach that focuses on what works well and what is possible, rather than what is wrong and what needs to be fixed.

2 How does the SOAR model differ from the SWOT model?

The SWOT model is another well-known strategic planning and coaching framework that stands for Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats. It is a more analytical and critical approach that helps coachees assess their internal and external factors that affect their performance and goals. The SWOT model can be useful for identifying gaps and risks, but it can also limit coachees' creativity and motivation by focusing on their problems and challenges. The SOAR model, on the other hand, can help coachees expand their vision and potential by focusing on their positive and constructive aspects.

3 How can you use the SOAR model in your coaching sessions?

The SOAR model can be used as a guide for coaching conversations, co-creating action plans, or facilitating group or team coaching. For example, you can ask your coachees to reflect on their strengths and how they have used them in the past and present. You can also help them explore opportunities that are available or emerging for them in their context. Additionally, you can encourage them to articulate their aspirations and what they want to achieve or become in the future. Lastly, you can assist them in defining the results and outcomes they expect and desire from their actions and efforts. The SOAR model encourages a positive and empowering coaching relationship that fosters future-oriented thinking and action. By using the SOAR model, you can help your coachees discover and leverage their strengths, embrace and pursue opportunities, align and express their aspirations, and achieve and celebrate their results.

4 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?