Strategic planning begins with asking the right questions—and choosing the right framework. Two of the most popular tools are SWOT analysis and the SOAR framework. While both help align your team and guide decision-making, they serve different purposes.
This guide compares SOAR vs SWOT, outlines when to use each, and introduces templates to help you get started quickly.
What Is SWOT Analysis?
SWOT analysis is a strategic planning tool used to evaluate an organization’s Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats. It helps teams gain a clear, balanced understanding of internal capabilities and external challenges, making it easier to make informed business decisions.
Why Use SWOT?
- Strengths: What are you doing well? Core competencies, resources, or brand reputation.
- Weaknesses: What’s holding you back? Skill gaps, outdated systems, or lack of innovation.
- Opportunities: What external trends or markets can you tap into?
- Threats: What challenges could derail progress—competitors, regulations, or market shifts?
More SWOT Templates to Explore
SWOT Is Best For:
- Situational analysis before launching a new product or entering a new market.
- Identifying internal gaps and external risks.
- Competitive benchmarking and risk mitigation planning.
Limitations:
- Can lead to negativity if focused too much on weaknesses.
- Doesn’t offer a built-in way to move from insights to action.
- May require other tools (like OKRs or KPIs) for tracking execution.
What Is the SOAR Framework?
SOAR analysis is a positive, strengths-based strategic planning framework that focuses on Strengths, Opportunities, Aspirations, and Results. It helps organizations build on what they do well, envision future goals, and create measurable plans to achieve them, encouraging collaboration and forward-thinking action.
Why Use SOAR?
- Strengths: What gives you an advantage today?
- Opportunities: What can you capitalize on in the future?
- Aspirations: What is your ideal future state?
- Results: What specific outcomes will define success?
More SOAR Templates to Try Out
SOAR Is Best For:
- Visioning workshops and strategic goal-setting.
- Aligning teams around purpose, values, and measurable outcomes.
- Motivating collaboration and engagement during change initiatives.
Limitations:
- May overlook weaknesses or threats without additional analysis.
- Risks of being overly optimistic if not grounded in data.
- Requires strong facilitation to define clear, trackable results.
Key Differences Between SOAR and SWOT
Criterion | SWOT Analysis | SOAR Analysis |
| Approach | Diagnostic review of internal and external factors | Aspirational, action-driven focus on strengths and outcomes |
| Focus | Balanced view of positives and negatives | Emphasis on strengths and future opportunities |
| Outcomes | Risk mitigation plans and gap analysis | Vision statements and measurable result metrics |
| Team Impact | May feel restrictive when dwelling on weaknesses | Boosts motivation through positive framing and collaboration |
| Execution | Requires additional tools for goal tracking | Built-in structure for setting and monitoring objectives |
When to Use SOAR vs SWOT
Use SWOT Analysis When:
- You need a full situational scan.
- The team is evaluating risk before entering a market.
- You’re working on compliance, audits, or M&A planning.
- Resources are limited and need strategic allocation.
Use the SOAR Framework When:
- You’re setting long-term goals or launching transformation initiatives.
- You want to align around mission, vision, and values.
- You’re leading innovation sprints or team engagement sessions.
- Your organization is growth-minded and future-focused.
Hybrid Approach
- Begin with SWOT to pinpoint critical weaknesses and external risks requiring attention.
- Transition to SOAR to articulate aspirations based on identified strengths and opportunities.
- Use hybrid insights to develop accountable roadmaps with both mitigation and growth plans.
Real-World Examples: SWOT vs SOAR in Action
SWOT Example – SaaS Startup
A B2B SaaS company planning a global launch uses SWOT to evaluate:
- Strengths: Robust backend architecture, loyal beta users.
- Weaknesses: Limited sales team, low brand awareness.
- Opportunities: Market demand in EU, new integration features.
- Threats: Local compliance issues, well-funded competitors.
Outcome: Action plan to hire regional sales reps and address legal gaps before launch.
SOAR Example – Retail Chain
A retail chain wants to reinvent its customer experience:
- Strengths: Strong logistics and brand trust.
- Opportunities: Rising e-commerce adoption.
- Aspirations: Become the top-rated online-to-offline experience.
- Results: Achieve 20% growth in omnichannel revenue within 12 months.
Outcome: Internal campaign with team buy-in, supported by KPIs and regular check-ins.
Final Thoughts: SOAR vs SWOT—Which One Wins?
The better framework depends on your goal.
- Choose SWOT for a grounded, risk-aware strategy.
- Choose SOAR for forward-focused, motivational planning.
- Combine both to balance insight + inspiration.
Whichever you choose, visual collaboration tools like Creately help align teams and drive execution. Start your next strategy session with a clear framework—and a customizable template.
