The "goto" tool for organisations in a designing strategic direction or plan is a SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats). When used appropriately this tool can help form a strategic direction. However, it is often misused and has a number of flaws. An alternative tool is a SOAR (Strengths, Opportunities, Aspirations, Results).

This tool is based in Appreciative Inquiry and builds on the strengths of the organisation or team. While not ignoring issues it doesn’t become distracted in perceptions of threat which may be overstated but build on what is already done well, on the successes and develops a vision and strategic direction on this basis.

A SOAR will build a vision and strategic direction based on this positive and strong basis.