SOAR Coaching Model: Strengths, Opportunities, Aspirations, Results — Questions & Example
SOAR replaces SWOT's weaknesses and threats with aspirations and results. It is a strategic-planning frame that coaches use with individuals, founders and teams when the question is 'where do we want to go and how do we get there from what we're good at'.
Origin: Developed by Jacqueline Stavros and Gina Hinrichs as an appreciative, strengths-based alternative to SWOT for strategy; used in coaching for career and team planning.
SOAR at a glance — Strengths, Opportunities, Aspirations, Results
- 1Strengths: What the client or team does best and the assets they can build on.
- 2Opportunities: External possibilities that fit those strengths.
- 3Aspirations: What the client or team wants to become.
- 4Results: Measurable outcomes that show the aspiration is being achieved.
The SOAR elements, with questions
Strengths
What the client or team does best and the assets they can build on.
- “What are you proudest of?”
- “What do others rely on you for?”
- “What worked in your best year?”
Opportunities
External possibilities that fit those strengths.
- “What is changing around you that you could use?”
- “Who needs what you're good at?”
- “What would you pursue if you had permission?”
Aspirations
What the client or team wants to become.
- “What do you deeply care about?”
- “What would you like to be known for in three years?”
- “What is the most compelling aspiration?”
Results
Measurable outcomes that show the aspiration is being achieved.
- “How will you know you're getting there?”
- “What are the first measurable results?”
- “Who will notice, and what will they see?”
When to use SOAR — and when not to
Use it when
- • Career or business planning that needs energy, not a threat inventory
- • Team offsites and vision work
- • Clients who spiral into risk analysis and never commit
Set it aside when
- • Situations where a real threat must be faced squarely — SOAR can feel like avoidance
- • Detailed operational planning; SOAR sets direction, not tasks
Example: SOAR in a coaching conversation
SOAR model FAQ
What does SOAR stand for?+
Strengths, Opportunities, Aspirations, Results — an appreciative strategic-planning framework.
SOAR vs SWOT?+
SWOT lists strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats. SOAR keeps strengths and opportunities and replaces the deficit half with aspirations and results, which produces more commitment and energy.
Can SOAR be used in individual coaching?+
Yes — for career planning, founders and anyone setting direction. It pairs well with strengths-based coaching and Appreciative Inquiry.
Related models and guides
- Strengths-Based coaching model — CliftonStrengths / VIA approach
- Appreciative Inquiry coaching model — Discover, Dream, Design, Destiny
- GROW coaching model — Goal, Reality, Options, Will
- All coaching models compared
- The 8 ICF Core Competencies
- Coaching questions library
Elements and questions are a map for the coach, not a script for the client — ICF assesses the competencies, not the model.
Practice the SOAR Model with AI
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