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SOAR Design Workshop

IDENTIFY OPPORTUNITIES TO APPLY & DESIGN SOAR

This SOAR Design Workshop is an engaging and collaborative session where we will explore a variety of SOAR designs from team to division, department, organization, and industry level. During this workshop, participants will learn how to design SOAR engagements to their client or organization’s wishes. There will also be a case scenario on how to help an executive leader learn how to use SOAR.

SOAR DESIGN WORKSHOP DATES & TIMES:

There are two workshops available for you to maximize your SOAR learning, planning, and application: Learning to SOAR and SOAR Design. Below are the dates and times for both workshops. Please note: Learning to SOAR is a pre-requisite for the SOAR Design workshop.

LEARNING TO SOAR Workshop

November 7-8, 2024

9am-12pm Pacific / 12pm-3pm Eastern

SOAR DESIGN Workshop

December 6, 2024

9am-12pm Pacific / 12pm-3pm Eastern

Pre-requisite: None

Pre-requisite: Learning to SOAR

SOAR DESIGN WORKSHOP CONTENT:

By utilizing the SOAR framework, attendees gain a holistic perspective, fostering a positive and proactive approach to strategy and strategic planning. This interactive session guides participants on how their SOAR designs connect to mission with purpose, encourage teamwork, align those around a shared vision, and ultimately leads to the development of actionable strategies and plans that maximize a team or an organization’s potential for success.

Participants will come to this session with at least one draft of a SOAR strategic engagement. Time will be allotted for asking about SOAR designs and engagements.

PURPOSE:

Identify opportunities to apply and design SOAR engagements.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
  • Recognize and target opportunities for applying SOAR at multiple levels of your organization.
  • Review a variety of SOAR-based templates.
  • Case Scenario: What Would You Do?
  • Draft a SOAR Strategy or Strategic Planning Design.

This workshop highlights the true power of SOAR. I left with a deeper understanding of the framework and how it can be used to improve organizational planning, strengthen teams and guide our own individual development.

– Sara Bozeman, Consultant,
Office of Patient-Centered Care & Cultural Transformation, Department of Veterans Affairs

This is a very practical workshop that focuses on helping you better understand the variety of ways SOAR can be used from a single person to a large organization. The instructor is focused on ensuring content is relevant to how you want to use SOAR. She provides many practical examples, article, and other learning materials to continue to explore and grow after the program is over.

– Andrew Whitis, Interim Executive Director, OhioNet

The ‘Introduction to SOAR Creating Strategy and Strategic Plans that Inspire’ training event was very good from start to finish as evidenced by comprehensive pre-training preparation, positive, energizing content that contributed to skills enhancement, glitch free Zoom technology, highly experienced trainers whose interactive training style provided ongoing opportunities for participation including trainee feedback and posing of questions. Post training reading materials were an indicator of going the extra-mile to enhance trainee’s competence and capabilities.

– Dennis Whitford, Owner/Operator, 2Thunder Consulting

As an Organization Development Consultant, I was thrilled to see a public offering for a SOAR workshop presented by Jackie Stavros, the creator of the framework. Having Melissa Robaina bring her expertise with Appreciative Inquiry was a real bonus! The workshop was content rich and the resources exceptional. I am glad I invested in this work and came away with more than I could have hoped for.

– Michele Hansen, Principal, Prismatic Business Solutions

Insightful and impactful — the SOAR sessions re-engaged and energized my thinking about how to apply appreciative inquiry in strategic situations to help individuals, teams, and organizations reach new heights.

– Pam Cash, Co-Founder and Chief of Positive Change, Next Ascent, LLC.

I really appreciate The Center for AI offering such a phenomenal program on SOAR with Jackie and Melissa – WOW! Talk about time well spent — it was an absolute pleasure and privilege and will say that this offering is by far one of the ‘high points’ in my learning journey. Jackie is incredible and her generosity is unparalleled! From the SOAR Design workshop (from part II of the series), I delivered a ‘micro-SOAR’ and council members walked away from the session feeling seen, heard, and inspired. Huge kudos to Jackie for developing dynamic and profound SOAR framework, and her willingness to share her insights!!

– L. Barbour, Resilience Director, Optum Workplace Well-Being

ADDITIONAL WORKSHOP INFORMATION:

REQUIRED BOOK

The SOAR workshops utilize the book, Learning to SOAR: Creating Strategy that Inspires Innovation and Engagement by Jacqueline Stavros and Gina Hinrichs.

You will need to purchase this book prior to the start of this course. This short, easy-to-read book is available in electronic, paperback, or audio – please choose the format that best suits your learning style.

METHOD OF DELIVERY:

This workshop will be delivered via Zoom and will use various Zoom features, including the annotation tool. To maximize your learning experience, please participate using a desktop or laptop computer. You will receive a Zoom meeting link in a separate email two weeks prior to the event.

LETTER OF COMPLETION

To obtain a letter of completion from The Center for Appreciative Inquiry, each participant must actively participate and complete the workshop. Letters of completion include your name, date of your training, and number of classroom hours earned and will be presented to participants after the training.

WORKSHOP OFFERED IN PARTNERSHIP WITH:

SOAR Logo consists of the acronym SOAR with the words Strengths, Opportunities, Aspirations, and Results written underneath.

Logo for Appreciative Inquiries, LLC.

WANT TO TRAIN A TEAM OR GROUP?

This workshop can be delivered for groups and organizations who wish to train a large number of individuals on the SOAR framework to support their strategy and strategic planning efforts. Please complete the CONTACT US form to receive more information about hosting a private course for your group.

Learning to SOAR: Creating Strategies & Strategic Plans That Invite Innovation and Engagement

DEVELOP STRATEGY & ENGAGEMENT USING SOAR FRAMEWORK

This workshop provides participants with a foundational understanding of the powerful SOAR framework—Strengths, Opportunities, Aspirations, and Results—designed to enhance strategic thinking, strategizing, planning, and leading. Attendees will learn to recognize and harness their organization’s internal strengths, identify external opportunities, clarify their aspirations, and define specific results they aspire to achieve.

SOAR Framework stands for: Strengths - what are we best at? Opportunities: what are the possibilities? Aspirations: what are our dreams and wishes? and Results: what are meaningful and measurable results?Through interactive discussions and practical examples, this workshop equips participants with the tools and mindset to adopt a proactive, appreciative, and positive approach to strategy development, fostering innovation, and driving sustainable growth within their organizations.

Whether applied to business, personal development, or team dynamics, this workshop serves as a gateway to unleashing the full potential of the SOAR framework. Utilize SOAR’s positive framework to enhance your ability to strategize, lead, and plan effectively.

SOAR WORKSHOP DATES & TIMES:

There are two workshops available for you to maximize your SOAR learning, planning, and application: Learning to SOAR and SOAR Design. Below are the dates and times for both workshops. Please note: Learning to SOAR is a pre-requisite for the SOAR Design Workshop.

LEARNING TO SOAR Workshop

November 7-8, 2024

9am-12pm Pacific / 12pm-3pm Eastern

SOAR DESIGN Workshop

December 6, 2024

9am-12pm Pacific / 12pm-3pm Eastern

Pre-requisite: None

Pre-requisite: Learning to SOAR

LEARNING TO SOAR WORKSHOP DESCRIPTION:

SOAR, a positive approach to strategic thinking, planning, leading, conversations, and operating allows anyone at any level in an organization to create strategy and strategic plans.

The operating system of SOAR is Appreciative Inquiry, which is one of the most effective and widely used approaches for strategic change. You will learn how to engage your teams in strategic conversations using SOAR to:

  • Increase engagement, productivity, commitment, and effectiveness at multiple levels in your organization.
  • Develop strategies by providing a flexible approach that emphasizes strengths and opportunities, aligning them with aspirations and results.
  • Create strategic plans with values, vision, mission, purpose, and goals.
  • Promote positive and forward-thinking, appreciative mindset.
  • Develop your personal strategic leadership development strategy plan.

SOAR is a valuable framework and approach for organizations looking to take a proactive and positive approach to strategic development, focusing on leveraging their existing strengths and external opportunities to achieve their aspirations and desired results.

As an Organization Development Consultant, I was thrilled to see a public offering for a SOAR workshop presented by Jackie Stavros, the creator of the framework. Having Melissa Robaina bring her expertise with Appreciative Inquiry was a real bonus! The workshop was content rich and the resources exceptional. I am glad I invested in this work and came away with more than I could have hoped for.

– Michele Hansen, Principal, Prismatic Business Solutions

LEARNING TO SOAR WORKSHOP CONTENT:

Learning to SOAR: Creating Strategies & Strategic Plans that Invite Innovation and Engagement consists of five (5) modules that will provide key insights, learnings, and tools that you can apply in your strategic leadership. Click the title of each module below to display its purpose and learning objectives.

PURPOSE:

Introduce the value of cultivating strategic thinking skills from an appreciative mindset.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:

  • Understand the importance of strategic thinking as cognitive process and mindset.
  • Learn language of strategy and strategic planning.
  • Share the history of positive organization science/scholarship (POS).
  • Introduce Appreciative Inquiry (AI) as the operating system of SOAR.

PURPOSE:

Introduce SOAR framework and approach, its purpose, and how it can be applied in different contexts from strategy to strategic planning and leadership development.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:

  • Learn the essence and flexibility of SOAR.
  • Understand the efficacy of the SOAR elements.
  • Show how SOAR builds upon SWOT.
  • Case 1: Strategic Conversation – Revitalization Strategy.
  • Introduce 3 Key Strategic Factors of SOAR.

PURPOSE:

Learn how to apply SOAR at various levels in an organization.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:

  • Learn how to apply SOAR in:
    • every day strategic conversations.
    • coaching and mentoring others.
    • creating strategies (Quick SOAR).
  • Case 2: SOAR: Creating a Strategy at Division Level.
  • Case 3: SOAR: Strategic Coaching Approach to High-Performing Culture.

PURPOSE:

Learn how to use SOAR for system-wide strategic planning or change with the Appreciative Inquiry (AI) 5-D/5-I Cycle.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:

  • Learn how to involve stakeholder representation on your strategic planning team.
  • Share the evolution of SOAR with the AI 5-D/5-I Cycle.
  • Case 4: Creating a Whole System Strategic Plan.

PURPOSE:

Learn how to use SOAR at the level of self to develop effective leadership skills for your strategic leadership development plan.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:

  • Learn how to identify your values, vision, and mission with purpose.
  • Identify your current strengths as a leader and what weakness you might wish to explore to turn it into an opportunity to cultivate a strength.
  • Explore opportunities for leadership growth and development.
  • Determine your leadership aspirations: what type of leader are you and want to further develop into?
  • How to establish specific, measurable results you want to achieve in your leadership development.
  • Formulate your leadership strategies, plans, and future learning resources.

This is a very practical workshop that focuses on helping you better understand the variety of ways SOAR can be used from a single person to a large organization. The instructor is focused on ensuring content is relevant to how you want to use SOAR. She provides many practical examples, article, and other learning materials to continue to explore and grow after the program is over.

– Andrew Whitis, Interim Executive Director, OhioNet

This workshop highlights the true power of SOAR. I left with a deeper understanding of the framework and how it can be used to improve organizational planning, strengthen teams and guide own own individual development.

– Sara Bozeman, Consultant, Office of Patient-Centered Care & Cultural Transformation, Department of Veterans Affairs

The ‘Introduction to SOAR Creating Strategy and Strategic Plans that Inspire’ training event was very good from start to finish as evidenced by comprehensive pre-training preparation, positive, energizing content that contributed to skills enhancement, glitch free Zoom technology, highly experienced trainers whose interactive training style provided ongoing opportunities for participation including trainee feedback and posing of questions. Post training reading materials were an indicator of going the extra-mile to enhance trainee’s competence and capabilities.

– Dennis Whitford, Owner/Operator, 2Thunder Consulting

Insightful and impactful — the SOAR sessions re-engaged and energized my thinking about how to apply appreciative inquiry in strategic situations to help individuals, teams, and organizations reach new heights.

– Pam Cash, Co-Founder and Chief of Positive Change, Next Ascent, LLC.

I really appreciate The Center for AI offering such a phenomenal program on SOAR with Jackie and Melissa – WOW! Talk about time well spent — it was an absolute pleasure and privilege and will say that this offering is by far one of the ‘high points’ in my learning journey. Jackie is incredible and her generosity is unparalleled! From the SOAR Design workshop (from part II of the series), I delivered a ‘micro-SOAR’ and council members walked away from the session feeling seen, heard, and inspired. Huge kudos to Jackie for developing dynamic and profound SOAR framework, and her willingness to share her insights!!

– L. Barbour, Resilience Director, Optum Workplace Well-Being

ADDITIONAL WORKSHOP INFORMATION:

REQUIRED BOOK

The SOAR workshops utilize the book, Learning to SOAR: Creating Strategy that Inspires Innovation and Engagement by Jacqueline Stavros and Gina Hinrichs.

You will need to purchase this book prior to the start of this course. This short, easy-to-read book is available in electronic, paperback, or audio – please choose the format that best suits your learning style.

METHOD OF DELIVERY:

This workshop will be delivered via Zoom and will use various Zoom features, including the annotation tool. To maximize your learning experience, please participate using a desktop or laptop computer. You will receive a Zoom meeting link in a separate email two weeks prior to the event.

LETTER OF COMPLETION

To obtain a letter of completion from The Center for Appreciative Inquiry, each participant must actively participate and complete the workshop. Letters of completion include your name, date of your training, and number of classroom hours earned and will be presented to participants after the training.

WORKSHOP OFFERED IN PARTNERSHIP WITH:

SOAR Logo consists of the acronym SOAR with the words Strengths, Opportunities, Aspirations, and Results written underneath.

Logo for Appreciative Inquiries, LLC.

WANT TO TRAIN A TEAM OR GROUP?

This workshop can be delivered for groups and organizations who wish to train a large number of individuals on the SOAR framework to support their strategy and strategic planning efforts. Please complete the CONTACT US form to receive more information about hosting a private course for your group.

Activating Citizen-Driven Communities with Appreciative Inquiry

SUPPORT COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT WITH APPRECIATIVE INQUIRY

Appreciative Inquiry (AI) is a highly effective change model that supports community development efforts by inviting community members to engage in meaningful discussions that identify strengths, create shared visions, develop strategies, and inspire action for change.

AI’s inclusive design builds collective capacity by pooling the community’s knowledge, experience, and strengths in generating new opportunities. Through the art of positive inquiry, community members come together in a collaborative search for strengths, passions, values, and actions which facilitates citizen-driven actions and change. Drawing on these strengths, AI empowers communities and its citizens to chart a path to turn their vision into reality.

“The interactive activities and thought-provoking discussions encourage participants to think critically and apply concepts in practical scenarios. Her success in achieving valuable insights from participants is undoubtedly attributed to her approach, passion, and knowledge.” – Anna Pijaca (Research and Engagement Manager | City Experience and Engagement, Local Council).

Learn how Appreciative Inquiry can renew energy and hope and inspire action in communities you belong to, work with, and serve.

LEARNING OUTCOMES:

After completing Activating Citizen-Driven Communities with Appreciative Inquiry, you will be better able to:

  • Understand how Appreciative Inquiry (AI) and strengths/asset-based approaches can be applied to community development work.
  • Confidently question and challenge deficit-based community development practice and introduce strengths-based, Appreciative Inquiry approaches to foster citizen driven communities.
  • Identify and appreciate assets and strengths and elicit positive stories to discover what strong in our communities.
  • Formulate and ask powerful, positive, and generative questions.
  • Intentionally seek new ways of understanding, defining, labelling, and interacting with people and groups we work with.
  • Apply AI tools and practices for community conversations, engagement, and planning.
  • Positively impact their organization by introducing concepts and practices that enhance the capacity of staff to work more effectively with communities.

EVENT DATES AND TIMES:


SESSION 1

SESSION 2

SESSION 3

SESSION 4

Western Hemisphere

Monday

June 17, 2024

5:30pm-8:00pm PDT

8:30pm-11:00pm EDT

Monday

June 24, 2024

5:30pm-8:00pm PDT

8:30pm-11:00pm EDT

Monday

July 1, 2024

5:30pm-8:00pm PDT

8:30pm-11:00pm EDT

Monday

July 8, 2024

5:30pm-8:00pm PDT

8:30pm-11:00pm EDT

Eastern Hemisphere

Tuesday

June 18, 2024

8:30am-11:00am HKT

10:30am-1:00pm AEST

Tuesday

June 25, 2024

8:30am-11:00am HKT

10:30am-1:00pm AEST

Tuesday

July 2, 2024

8:30am-11:00am HKT

10:30am-1:00pm AEST

Tuesday

July 9, 2024

8:30am-11:00am HKT

10:30am-1:00pm AEST

TRAINING SESSIONS:

This course consists of four (4) virtual sessions that will provide key insights, learnings, and tools that you can apply in your community development work. Click the title of each session below to display the topics that will be covered during that session.

TOPICS COVERED DURING THIS SESSION:

  • An Appreciative approach to community development.
  • The Paradigm Shift: Traditional/Deficit approach Vs. Appreciative/Asset Based Community Development approach.
  • AI principles – Guiding our work with communities.
  • How we see our Communities (Psychological theories -The Pygmalion Effect, Heliotropic Effect in the Context of Working with Marginalised/Disenfranchised/Disadvantaged communities).

TOPICS COVERED DURING THIS SESSION:

  • Flip the Script: Reframing Problems to Create Possibilities/Opportunities.
  • Words Create Communities – the Power of Language & Words in creating Thriving Communities.
  • Shifting Perceptions:
    • Challenging Negative/Derogatory labels.
    • Cultivating Stories and Successes.

TOPICS COVERED DURING THIS SESSION:

  • Discovering Strengths & Assets: Igniting Sparks in People & Communities.
  • Appreciative Inquiry Questions & Conversations: formulating and articulating generative and positive questions.
  • Soliciting Positive Stories and Finding Out What Works.

TOPICS COVERED DURING THIS SESSION:

  • Community Consultations and Conversations: Applying an Appreciative Inquiry approach for Citizen-Centered outcomes.
  • AI 5D cycle for implementing community actions, plans, and change.
  • Open Space Technology: highly participatory, inclusive, and collaborative method for large group/community meetings.
  • Commitment Wall.

DESIGNED FOR:

This course is ideal for:

  • Community development, engagement, and consultation workers and practitioners.
  • Individuals that work with specific community groups (e.g., youth, family support, seniors).
  • Students and graduates interested in working in community.
  • Entrepreneurs and organizations interested in their social impact, creating a community footprint, and supporting their communities.
  • Anyone who volunteers, works with, or serves the community in some capacity to improve the development and capacity of communities.

PROGRAM OFFERED IN PARTNERSHIP WITH:

WANT TO TRAIN A TEAM OR GROUP?

This course can be delivered for groups and organizations who wish to train a large number of individuals who wish to support their community development efforts with appreciative inquiry. Please complete the CONTACT US form to receive more information about hosting a private course for your group.

SOAR Design Workshop

IDENTIFY OPPORTUNITIES TO APPLY & DESIGN SOAR

This SOAR Design Workshop is an engaging and collaborative session where we will explore a variety of SOAR designs from team to the division, department, organization, and industry level. During this workshop, participants will learn how to design SOAR engagements to their client or organization’s wishes. There will also be a case scenario on how to help an executive leader learn how to use SOAR.

SOAR DESIGN WORKSHOP DATES & TIMES:

There are two workshops available for you to maximize your SOAR learning, planning, and application: Learning to SOAR and SOAR Design. Below are the dates and times for both workshops. Please note: Learning to SOAR is a pre-requisite for the SOAR Design workshop.

LEARNING TO SOAR Workshop

Thursday, April 18, 2024

9:00am-4:00pm Eastern Time

SOAR DESIGN Workshop

Friday, May 10, 2024

9am-12pm Eastern Time

Pre-requisite: None

Pre-requisite: Learning to SOAR

SOAR DESIGN WORKSHOP CONTENT:

By utilizing the SOAR framework, attendees gain a holistic perspective, fostering a positive and proactive approach to strategy and strategic planning. This interactive session guides participants on how their SOAR designs connect to mission with purpose, encourage teamwork, align those around a shared vision, and and ultimately leads to the development of actionable strategies and plans that maximize a team or an organization’s potential for success.

Participants will come to this session with at least one draft of a SOAR strategic engagement. Time will be allotted for asking about SOAR designs and engagements.

PURPOSE:

Identify opportunities to apply and design SOAR engagements.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
  • Recognize and target opportunities for applying SOAR at multiple levels of your organization.
  • Review a variety of SOAR-based templates.
  • Case Scenario: What Would You Do?
  • Draft a SOAR Strategy or Strategic Planning Design.

We used SOAR to work with our global team members. The results: strategic direction and strategies for growth. Learning to SOAR: Creating Strategy that Inspires Innovation and Engagement has the proven research and applications to easily make SOAR part of your strategic toolkit.
– Ron Reidy, Ph.D., Senior Advisor, Dell Technologies /Education Services

ADDITIONAL WORKSHOP INFORMATION:

REQUIRED BOOK

The SOAR workshops utilize the book, Learning to SOAR: Creating Strategy that Inspires Innovation and Engagement by Jacqueline Stavros and Gina Hinrichs.

You will need to purchase this book prior to the start of this course. This book is available in electronic or paperback versions. Please select the version that is in alignment with your learning style and preference.

METHOD OF DELIVERY:

This program will be delivered using Zoom and will be using various Zoom features, including the Zoom annotation tool. To maximize your learning experience and engagement, please participate in this course on your computer (desktop or laptop). You will receive a Zoom meeting link in a separate email two weeks prior to the event.

LETTER OF COMPLETION

To obtain a letter of completion each participant must actively participate and complete the workshop. Letters of completion include your name, date of your training, and number of classroom hours earned and will be presented to participants after the training.

WORKSHOP OFFERED IN PARTNERSHIP WITH:

SOAR Logo consists of the acronym SOAR with the words Strengths, Opportunities, Aspirations, and Results written underneath.

WANT TO TRAIN A TEAM OR GROUP?

This workshop can be delivered for groups and organizations who wish to train a large number of individuals on the SOAR framework to support their strategic and planning efforts. Please complete the CONTACT US form to receive more information about hosting a private course for your group.

Learning to SOAR: Creating Strategies & Strategic Plans That Invite Innovation and Engagement

DEVELOP STRATEGY & ENGAGEMENT USING SOAR FRAMEWORK

This workshop provides participants with a foundational understanding of the powerful SOAR framework—Strengths, Opportunities, Aspirations, and Results—designed to enhance strategic thinking, strategizing, planning, and leading. Attendees will learn to recognize and harness their organization’s internal strengths, identify external opportunities, clarify their aspirations, and define specific results they aspire to achieve.

Through interactive discussions and practical examples, this workshop equips participants with the tools and mindset to adopt a proactive, appreciative, and positive approach to strategy development, fostering innovation, and driving sustainable growth within their organizations. Whether applied to business, personal development, or team dynamics, this workshop serves as a gateway to unleashing the full potential of the SOAR framework.

SOAR Framework stands for: Strengths - what are we best at? Opportunities: what are the possibilities? Aspirations: what are our dreams and wishes? and Results: what are meaningful and measurable results?

Utilize SOAR’s positive framework to enhance your ability to strategize, lead, and plan effectively.

SOAR WORKSHOP DATES & TIMES:

There are two workshops available for you to maximize your SOAR learning, planning, and application: Learning to SOAR and SOAR Design. Below are the dates and times for both workshops. Please note: Learning to SOAR is a pre-requisite for the SOAR Design Workshop.

LEARNING TO SOAR Workshop

Thursday, April 18, 2024

9:00am-4:00pm Eastern Time

SOAR DESIGN Workshop

Friday, May 10, 2024

9am-12pm Eastern Time

Pre-requisite: None

Pre-requisite: Learning to SOAR

LEARNING TO SOAR WORKSHOP DESCRIPTION:

SOAR, a positive approach to strategic thinking, planning, leading, conversations, and operating allows anyone at any level in an organization to create strategy and strategic plans.

The operating system of SOAR is Appreciative Inquiry, which is one of the most effective and widely used approaches for strategic change. You will learn how to engage your teams in strategic conversations using SOAR to:

  • Increase engagement, productivity, commitment, and effectiveness at multiple levels in your organization.
  • Develop strategies by providing a flexible approach that emphasizes strengths and opportunities, aligning them with aspirations and results.
  • Create strategic plans with values, vision, mission, purpose, and goals.
  • Promote positive and forward-thinking, appreciative mindset.
  • Develop your personal strategic leadership development strategy plan.

SOAR is a valuable framework and approach for organizations looking to take a proactive and positive approach to strategic development, focusing on leveraging their existing strengths and external opportunities to achieve their aspirations and desired results.

SOAR is a whole systems approach to strategic planning and invited inclusiveness and psychological safe space for us to learn. Jackie shared how her human operating system is Appreciative Inquiry (AI). I was able to galvanize leadership, engage all, and strengthen collaboration.
– Goren B. Dillard, MSOD, CASE, Urban League

LEARNING TO SOAR WORKSHOP CONTENT:

Learning to SOAR: Creating Strategies & Strategic Plans that Invite Innovation and Engagement consists of five (5) modules that will provide key insights, learnings, and tools that you can apply in your strategic leadership. Click the title of each module below to display its purpose and learning objectives.

PURPOSE:

Introduce the value of cultivating strategic thinking skills from an appreciative mindset.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:

  • Understand the importance of strategic thinking as cognitive process and mindset.
  • Learn language of strategy and strategic planning.
  • Share the history of positive organization science/scholarship (POS).
  • Introduce Appreciative Inquiry (AI) as the operating system of SOAR.

PURPOSE:

Introduce SOAR framework and approach, its purpose, and how it can be applied in different contexts from strategy to strategic planning and leadership development.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:

  • Learn the essence and flexibility of SOAR.
  • Understand the efficacy of the SOAR elements.
  • Show how SOAR builds upon SWOT.
  • Case 1: Strategic Conversation: Revitalization Strategy.
  • Introduce 3 Key Strategic Factors of SOAR.

PURPOSE:

Learn how to apply SOAR at various levels in an organization.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:

  • Learn how to apply SOAR in:
    • every day strategic conversations.
    • coaching and mentoring others.
    • creating strategies (Quick SOAR)
  • Case 2: SOAR: Creating a Strategy at Division Level.
  • Case 3: SOAR: Strategic Coaching Approach to High-Performing Culture.

PURPOSE:

Learn how to use SOAR for system-wide strategic planning or change with the Appreciative Inquiry (AI) 5-D/5-I Cycle.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:

  • Learn how to involve stakeholder representation on your strategic planning team.
  • Share the evolution of SOAR with the AI 5-D/5-I Cycle.
  • Case 4: Creating a Whole System Strategic Plan.

PURPOSE:

Learn how to use SOAR at the level of self to develop effective leadership skills for your strategic leadership development plan.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:

  • Learn how to identify your values, vision, and mission with purpose.
  • Identify your current strengths as a leader and what weakness you might wish to explore to turn it into an opportunity to cultivate a strength.
  • Explore opportunities for leadership growth and development.
  • Determine your leadership aspirations: what type of leader are you and want to further develop into?
  • How to establish specific, measurable results you want to achieve in your leadership development.
  • Formulate your leadership strategies, plans, and future learning resources.

ADDITIONAL WORKSHOP INFORMATION:

REQUIRED BOOK

The SOAR workshops utilize the book, Learning to SOAR: Creating Strategy that Inspires Innovation and Engagement by Jacqueline Stavros and Gina Hinrichs.

You will need to purchase this book prior to the start of this course. This book is available in electronic or paperback versions. Please select the version that is in alignment with your learning style and preference.

METHOD OF DELIVERY:

This program will be delivered using Zoom and will be using various Zoom features, including the Zoom annotation tool. To maximize your learning experience and engagement, please participate in this course on your computer (desktop or laptop). You will receive a Zoom meeting link in a separate email two weeks prior to the event.

LETTER OF COMPLETION

To obtain a letter of completion each participant must actively participate and complete the workshop. Letters of completion include your name, date of your training, and number of classroom hours earned and will be presented to participants after the training.

WORKSHOP OFFERED IN PARTNERSHIP WITH:

SOAR Logo consists of the acronym SOAR with the words Strengths, Opportunities, Aspirations, and Results written underneath.

WANT TO TRAIN A TEAM OR GROUP?

This workshop can be delivered for groups and organizations who wish to train a large number of individuals on the SOAR framework to support their strategic and planning efforts. Please complete the CONTACT US form to receive more information about hosting a private course for your group.

SOAR Design Workshop

IDENTIFY OPPORTUNITIES TO APPLY & DESIGN SOAR

This SOAR Design Workshop is an engaging and collaborative session where we will explore a variety of SOAR designs from team to the division, department, organization, and industry level. During this workshop, participants will learn how to design SOAR engagements to their client or organization’s wishes. There will also be a case scenario on how to help an executive leader learn how to use SOAR.

SOAR DESIGN WORKSHOP DATES & TIMES:

There are two workshops available for you to maximize your SOAR learning, planning, and application: Learning to SOAR and SOAR Design. Below are the dates and times for both workshops. Please note: Learning to SOAR is a pre-requisite for the SOAR Design workshop.

LEARNING TO SOAR Workshop

April 11-12, 2024

9am-12pm Pacific / 12pm-3pm Eastern

SOAR DESIGN Workshop

May 9, 2024

9am-12pm Pacific / 12pm-3pm Eastern

Pre-requisite: None

Pre-requisite: Learning to SOAR

SOAR DESIGN WORKSHOP CONTENT:

By utilizing the SOAR framework, attendees gain a holistic perspective, fostering a positive and proactive approach to strategy and strategic planning. This interactive session guides participants on how their SOAR designs connect to mission with purpose, encourage teamwork, align those around a shared vision, and and ultimately leads to the development of actionable strategies and plans that maximize a team or an organization’s potential for success.

Participants will come to this session with at least one draft of a SOAR strategic engagement. Time will be allotted for asking about SOAR designs and engagements.

PURPOSE:

Identify opportunities to apply and design SOAR engagements.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
  • Recognize and target opportunities for applying SOAR at multiple levels of your organization.
  • Review a variety of SOAR-based templates.
  • Case Scenario: What Would You Do?
  • Draft a SOAR Strategy or Strategic Planning Design.

We used SOAR to work with our global team members. The results: strategic direction and strategies for growth. Learning to SOAR: Creating Strategy that Inspires Innovation and Engagement has the proven research and applications to easily make SOAR part of your strategic toolkit.
– Ron Reidy, Ph.D., Senior Advisor, Dell Technologies /Education Services

ADDITIONAL WORKSHOP INFORMATION:

REQUIRED BOOK

The SOAR workshops utilize the book, Learning to SOAR: Creating Strategy that Inspires Innovation and Engagement by Jacqueline Stavros and Gina Hinrichs.

You will need to purchase this book prior to the start of this course. This book is available in electronic or paperback versions. Please select the version that is in alignment with your learning style and preference.

METHOD OF DELIVERY:

This program will be delivered using Zoom and will be using various Zoom features, including the Zoom annotation tool. To maximize your learning experience and engagement, please participate in this course on your computer (desktop or laptop). You will receive a Zoom meeting link in a separate email two weeks prior to the event.

LETTER OF COMPLETION

To obtain a letter of completion each participant must actively participate and complete the workshop. Letters of completion include your name, date of your training, and number of classroom hours earned and will be presented to participants after the training.

WORKSHOP OFFERED IN PARTNERSHIP WITH:

SOAR Logo consists of the acronym SOAR with the words Strengths, Opportunities, Aspirations, and Results written underneath.

WANT TO TRAIN A TEAM OR GROUP?

This workshop can be delivered for groups and organizations who wish to train a large number of individuals on the SOAR framework to support their strategic and planning efforts. Please complete the CONTACT US form to receive more information about hosting a private course for your group.

Learning to SOAR: Creating Strategies & Strategic Plans That Invite Innovation and Engagement

DEVELOP STRATEGY & ENGAGEMENT USING SOAR FRAMEWORK

This workshop provides participants with a foundational understanding of the powerful SOAR framework—Strengths, Opportunities, Aspirations, and Results—designed to enhance strategic thinking, strategizing, planning, and leading. Attendees will learn to recognize and harness their organization’s internal strengths, identify external opportunities, clarify their aspirations, and define specific results they aspire to achieve.

Through interactive discussions and practical examples, this workshop equips participants with the tools and mindset to adopt a proactive, appreciative, and positive approach to strategy development, fostering innovation, and driving sustainable growth within their organizations. Whether applied to business, personal development, or team dynamics, this workshop serves as a gateway to unleashing the full potential of the SOAR framework.

SOAR Framework stands for: Strengths - what are we best at? Opportunities: what are the possibilities? Aspirations: what are our dreams and wishes? and Results: what are meaningful and measurable results?

Utilize SOAR’s positive framework to enhance your ability to strategize, lead, and plan effectively.

SOAR WORKSHOP DATES & TIMES:

There are two workshops available for you to maximize your SOAR learning, planning, and application: Learning to SOAR and SOAR Design. Below are the dates and times for both workshops. Please note: Learning to SOAR is a pre-requisite for the SOAR Design Workshop.

LEARNING TO SOAR Workshop

April 11-12, 2024

9am-12pm Pacific / 12pm-3pm Eastern

SOAR DESIGN Workshop

May 9, 2024

9am-12pm Pacific / 12pm-3pm Eastern

Pre-requisite: None

Pre-requisite: Learning to SOAR

LEARNING TO SOAR WORKSHOP DESCRIPTION:

SOAR, a positive approach to strategic thinking, planning, leading, conversations, and operating allows anyone at any level in an organization to create strategy and strategic plans.

The operating system of SOAR is Appreciative Inquiry, which is one of the most effective and widely used approaches for strategic change. You will learn how to engage your teams in strategic conversations using SOAR to:

  • Increase engagement, productivity, commitment, and effectiveness at multiple levels in your organization.
  • Develop strategies by providing a flexible approach that emphasizes strengths and opportunities, aligning them with aspirations and results.
  • Create strategic plans with values, vision, mission, purpose, and goals.
  • Promote positive and forward-thinking, appreciative mindset.
  • Develop your personal strategic leadership development strategy plan.

SOAR is a valuable framework and approach for organizations looking to take a proactive and positive approach to strategic development, focusing on leveraging their existing strengths and external opportunities to achieve their aspirations and desired results.

SOAR is a whole systems approach to strategic planning and invited inclusiveness and psychological safe space for us to learn. Jackie shared how her human operating system is Appreciative Inquiry (AI). I was able to galvanize leadership, engage all, and strengthen collaboration.
– Goren B. Dillard, MSOD, CASE, Urban League

LEARNING TO SOAR WORKSHOP CONTENT:

Learning to SOAR: Creating Strategies & Strategic Plans that Invite Innovation and Engagement consists of five (5) modules that will provide key insights, learnings, and tools that you can apply in your strategic leadership. Click the title of each module below to display its purpose and learning objectives.

PURPOSE:

Introduce the value of cultivating strategic thinking skills from an appreciative mindset.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:

  • Understand the importance of strategic thinking as cognitive process and mindset.
  • Learn language of strategy and strategic planning.
  • Share the history of positive organization science/scholarship (POS).
  • Introduce Appreciative Inquiry (AI) as the operating system of SOAR.

PURPOSE:

Introduce SOAR framework and approach, its purpose, and how it can be applied in different contexts from strategy to strategic planning and leadership development.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:

  • Learn the essence and flexibility of SOAR.
  • Understand the efficacy of the SOAR elements.
  • Show how SOAR builds upon SWOT.
  • Case 1: Strategic Conversation: Revitalization Strategy.
  • Introduce 3 Key Strategic Factors of SOAR.

PURPOSE:

Learn how to apply SOAR at various levels in an organization.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:

  • Learn how to apply SOAR in:
    • every day strategic conversations.
    • coaching and mentoring others.
    • creating strategies (Quick SOAR)
  • Case 2: SOAR: Creating a Strategy at Division Level.
  • Case 3: SOAR: Strategic Coaching Approach to High-Performing Culture.

PURPOSE:

Learn how to use SOAR for system-wide strategic planning or change with the Appreciative Inquiry (AI) 5-D/5-I Cycle.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:

  • Learn how to involve stakeholder representation on your strategic planning team.
  • Share the evolution of SOAR with the AI 5-D/5-I Cycle.
  • Case 4: Creating a Whole System Strategic Plan.

PURPOSE:

Learn how to use SOAR at the level of self to develop effective leadership skills for your strategic leadership development plan.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:

  • Learn how to identify your values, vision, and mission with purpose.
  • Identify your current strengths as a leader and what weakness you might wish to explore to turn it into an opportunity to cultivate a strength.
  • Explore opportunities for leadership growth and development.
  • Determine your leadership aspirations: what type of leader are you and want to further develop into?
  • How to establish specific, measurable results you want to achieve in your leadership development.
  • Formulate your leadership strategies, plans, and future learning resources.

ADDITIONAL WORKSHOP INFORMATION:

REQUIRED BOOK

The SOAR workshops utilize the book, Learning to SOAR: Creating Strategy that Inspires Innovation and Engagement by Jacqueline Stavros and Gina Hinrichs.

You will need to purchase this book prior to the start of this course. This book is available in electronic or paperback versions. Please select the version that is in alignment with your learning style and preference.

METHOD OF DELIVERY:

This program will be delivered using Zoom and will be using various Zoom features, including the Zoom annotation tool. To maximize your learning experience and engagement, please participate in this course on your computer (desktop or laptop). You will receive a Zoom meeting link in a separate email two weeks prior to the event.

LETTER OF COMPLETION

To obtain a letter of completion each participant must actively participate and complete the workshop. Letters of completion include your name, date of your training, and number of classroom hours earned and will be presented to participants after the training.

WORKSHOP OFFERED IN PARTNERSHIP WITH:

SOAR Logo consists of the acronym SOAR with the words Strengths, Opportunities, Aspirations, and Results written underneath.

WANT TO TRAIN A TEAM OR GROUP?

This workshop can be delivered for groups and organizations who wish to train a large number of individuals on the SOAR framework to support their strategic and planning efforts. Please complete the CONTACT US form to receive more information about hosting a private course for your group.

Monday Kickstarters Holiday Series

KICKSTART YOUR CONVERSATIONS THIS HOLIDAY SEASON

The nature of our conversation is fateful. The way we think and talk about any given situation determines whether we feel energized and good about it, or drained and exhausted. Grounded in the book, Conversations Worth Having: Using Appreciative Inquiry to Fuel Productive and Meaningful Engagement, Monday Kickstarters Holiday Series invites participants to transform negative, problematic, and stressful interactions they are experiencing into life-giving and generative conversations.

We are living in challenging times, many of us juggle stress, concerns, and challenges daily. We can move forward in ways that offer renewal, reinvention, and resiliency simply by changing our conversations.

EVENT DATES AND TIMES:

WEEK 1

WEEK 2

MONDAY
December 2, 2024

MONDAY
December 9, 2024

9:30am-10:00am PT

12:30pm-1:00pm ET

9:30am-10:00am PT

12:30pm-1:00pm ET

MONDAY KICKSTARTERS OVERVIEW:

Monday Kickstarters Holiday Series is a 2-part virtual series designed to provide you the opportunity to practice asking generative questions to change the way you think about things, interact with others, and create a possibility mindset by talking about what you want instead of what you don’t want. The two practices—generative questions and positive framing–allow you to address even the most challenging problems with creativity and energy.

You do not need to attend both sessions to benefit from this virtual series. Please feel free to pop in and out of these sessions as necessary. We encourage you to invite your friends, families, and colleagues who may benefit from these sessions – all are welcome to participate. You only need to register once to participate in the two (2) virtual sessions.

LEARNING OUTCOMES:

After participating in this event, you will walk away better prepared to:

  • Shift your mindset to foster resilience and positivity;
  • Fuel productive and meaningful engagement;
  • Communicate effectively with colleagues, constituents, and family;
  • Ask questions that communicate care and deepen connection;
  • Frame complex problems to inspire creativity and innovative solutions.

ADDITIONAL MONDAY KICKSTARTERS INFORMATION:

EVENT VIDEOS AND MATERIALS

To prepare for these live conversations, please view this 3-minute Instructional Video, which provides an overview and instructions for the Kickstarters sessions. We also encourage you to download our free Conversation toolkit and the Preface and Introduction to Conversations Worth Having: Using Appreciative Inquiry to Fuel Productive and Meaningful Engagement, available at https://conversationsworthhaving.today/

METHOD OF DELIVERY

These live events will be delivered using Zoom. You can participate in these live events using any device: computer, tablet, or mobile. Please participate using the dial-in method you feel most comfortable with.

You will receive the Zoom login information upon registration. If you have any questions about this event or have difficulty connecting in Zoom, please contact Kelly Stewart at kelly@thepositivebusiness.com.

This free event is open to everyone, however due to Zoom limitations, only the first 100 participants to log on will be able to participate in each of the live scheduled webinars. We encourage participants to log onto Zoom early to secure their seat.

CONTINUED LEARNING AND PRACTICE

If you wish to continue learning about Conversations Worth Having, we invite you to join us for the virtual Conversations Worth Having Bootcamps.

EVENT IS OFFERED IN COLLABORATION WITH

One blue and one green conversation bubble overlapping with the letters CWH for Conversations Worth Having

Monday Kickstarters: Turn Challenges into Conversations Worth Having

TURN CHALLENGES INTO CONVERSATIONS WORTH HAVING

The nature of our conversation is fateful. The way we think and talk about any given situation determines whether we feel energized and good about it, or drained and exhausted. Grounded in the book, Conversations Worth Having: Using Appreciative Inquiry to Fuel Productive and Meaningful Engagement, Monday Kickstarters invites participants to transform negative, problematic, and stressful interactions they are experiencing into life-giving and generative conversations.

We are living in challenging times, many of us juggle stress, concerns, and challenges daily. We can move forward in ways that offer renewal, reinvention, and resiliency simply by changing our conversations.

EVENT DATES AND TIMES:

WEEK 1

WEEK 2

WEEK 3

WEEK 4

MONDAY
September 9, 2024

MONDAY
September 16, 2024

MONDAY
September 23, 2024

MONDAY
September 30, 2024

9:30am-10:00am PT

12:30pm-1:00pm ET

9:30am-10:00am PT

12:30pm-1:00pm ET

9:30am-10:00am PT

12:30pm-1:00pm ET

9:30am-10:00am PT

12:30pm-1:00pm ET

MONDAY KICKSTARTERS OVERVIEW:

Monday Kickstarters is a 4-part virtual series designed to provide you the opportunity to practice asking generative questions to change the way you think about things, interact with others, and create a possibility mindset by talking about what you want instead of what you don’t want. The two practices—generative questions and positive framing–allow you to address even the most challenging problems with creativity and energy.

You do not need to attend all 4 sessions to benefit from this virtual series. Please feel free to pop in and out of these sessions as necessary. We encourage you to invite your friends, families, and colleagues who may benefit from these sessions – all are welcome to participate. You only need to register once to participate in the four (4) weekly sessions.

LEARNING OUTCOMES:

After participating in this event, you will walk away better prepared to:

  • Shift your mindset to foster resilience and positivity;
  • Fuel productive and meaningful engagement;
  • Communicate effectively with colleagues, constituents, and family;
  • Ask questions that communicate care and deepen connection;
  • Frame complex problems to inspire creativity and innovative solutions.

ADDITIONAL MONDAY KICKSTARTERS INFORMATION:

EVENT VIDEOS AND MATERIALS

To prepare for these live conversations, please view this 3-minute Instructional Video, which provides an overview and instructions for the Kickstarters sessions. We also encourage you to download our free Conversation toolkit and the Preface and Introduction to Conversations Worth Having: Using Appreciative Inquiry to Fuel Productive and Meaningful Engagement, available at https://conversationsworthhaving.today/

METHOD OF DELIVERY

These live events will be delivered using Zoom. You can participate in these live events using any device: computer, tablet, or mobile. Please participate using the dial-in method you feel most comfortable with.

You will receive the Zoom login information upon registration. If you have any questions about this event or have difficulty connecting in Zoom, please contact Kelly Stewart at kelly@thepositivebusiness.com.

This free event is open to everyone, however due to Zoom limitations, only the first 100 participants to log on will be able to participate in each of the live scheduled webinars. We encourage participants to log onto Zoom early to secure their seat.

CONTINUED LEARNING AND PRACTICE

If you wish to continue learning about Conversations Worth Having, we invite you to join us for the virtual Conversations Worth Having Bootcamps.

EVENT IS OFFERED IN COLLABORATION WITH

One blue and one green conversation bubble overlapping with the letters CWH for Conversations Worth Having

Monday Kickstarters: Turn Challenges into Conversations Worth Having

TURN CHALLENGES INTO CONVERSATIONS WORTH HAVING

The nature of our conversation is fateful. The way we think and talk about any given situation determines whether we feel energized and good about it, or drained and exhausted. Grounded in the book, Conversations Worth Having: Using Appreciative Inquiry to Fuel Productive and Meaningful Engagement, Monday Kickstarters invites participants to transform negative, problematic, and stressful interactions they are experiencing into life-giving and generative conversations.

We are living in challenging times, many of us juggle stress, concerns, and challenges daily. We can move forward in ways that offer renewal, reinvention, and resiliency simply by changing our conversations.

EVENT DATES AND TIMES:

WEEK 1

WEEK 2

WEEK 3

WEEK 4

MONDAY
March 4, 2024

MONDAY
March 11, 2024

MONDAY
March 18, 2024

MONDAY
March 25, 2024

9:30am-10:00am PT

12:30pm-1:00pm ET

9:30am-10:00am PT

12:30pm-1:00pm ET

9:30am-10:00am PT

12:30pm-1:00pm ET

9:30am-10:00am PT

12:30pm-1:00pm ET

MONDAY KICKSTARTERS OVERVIEW:

Monday Kickstarters is a 4-part virtual series designed to provide you the opportunity to practice asking generative questions to change the way you think about things, interact with others, and create a possibility mindset by talking about what you want instead of what you don’t want. The two practices—generative questions and positive framing–allow you to address even the most challenging problems with creativity and energy.

You do not need to attend all 4 sessions to benefit from this virtual series. Please feel free to pop in and out of these sessions as necessary. We encourage you to invite your friends, families, and colleagues who may benefit from these sessions – all are welcome to participate. You only need to register once to participate in the four (4) weekly sessions.

LEARNING OUTCOMES:

After participating in this event, you will walk away better prepared to:

  • Shift your mindset to foster resilience and positivity;
  • Fuel productive and meaningful engagement;
  • Communicate effectively with colleagues, constituents, and family;
  • Ask questions that communicate care and deepen connection;
  • Frame complex problems to inspire creativity and innovative solutions.

ADDITIONAL PROGRAM INFORMATION:

EVENT VIDEOS AND MATERIALS

To prepare for these live conversations, please view this 3-minute Instructional Video, which provides an overview and instructions for the Kickstarters sessions. We also encourage you to download our free Conversation toolkit and the Preface and Introduction to Conversations Worth Having: Using Appreciative Inquiry to Fuel Productive and Meaningful Engagement, available at https://conversationsworthhaving.today/

METHOD OF DELIVERY

These live events will be delivered using Zoom. You can participate in these live events using any device: computer, tablet, or mobile. Please participate using the dial-in method you feel most comfortable with.

You will receive the Zoom login information upon registration. If you have any questions about this event or have difficulty connecting in Zoom, please contact Kelly Stewart at kelly@thepositivebusiness.com.

This free event is open to everyone, however due to Zoom limitations, only the first 100 participants to log on will be able to participate in each of the live scheduled webinars. We encourage participants to log onto Zoom early to secure their seat.

CONTINUED LEARNING AND PRACTICE

If you wish to continue learning about Conversations Worth Having, we invite you to join us for the virtual Conversations Worth Having Bootcamps.

EVENT IS OFFERED IN COLLABORATION WITH

One blue and one green conversation bubble overlapping with the letters CWH for Conversations Worth Having