The Eight Ways
Strategies for development
The SOAR approach utilizes eight proven ways or strategies to carry out development*:
1. Increase Urgency
Create a sense of urgency for change. Describe ‘what is,’ reflect on what will be if no change occurs and propose whole-community action to co-create a bold new future
2. Build a Powerful Team
Bring together people with the power, influence and commitment to make change happen; find partners to inform and support the process and dedicated workers to carry out the vision
3. Get the Vision Right
As a community, identify what matters, then develop a compelling vision for development that speaks to the heart, mind and spirit
4. Focus On Strengths
Honour the past, build on strengths, fan the fire of what’s working and explore what’s possible. Celebrate your culture and change successes. Generate a 'yes we can' momentum for change
5. Empower Your People
Include everyone. Give people the authority and resources to act. Value, encourage and support their contributions publicly and privately. Re-create structures and processes so they promote risk-taking, exploration, innovation and improvisation. Build in accountability
6. Create Quick Wins
Build momentum for change early - achieve meaningful wins in the short term that confirm change is working. Keep it simple, look for solutions possible with existing resources and do it now
7. Communicate for Buy-In
Share all information openly and widely. Send clear, honest sincere messages to staff and community about the change effort; solicit whole-community and small group feedback from members and regularly invite them to participate
8. Make Change Stick
Don’t let up. Create wave after wave of change. Keep the sense of urgency alive. Build the new ways of doing things into the organizational culture. Watch for slips back to old dysfunctional ways
* Professor John Kotter of the Harvard Business School surveyed a number of American corporations who had successfully carried out transformational change. He identified eight factors that played a key role in their success. See 'Heart of Change' by John Kotter
