The concept of SOAR
Remember in Week 3, we discussed the concept of SOAR? While that concept is geared toward organizational strategy, it can apply to your own personal career development. We so often base our development plans based on our weaknesses. Yet, what if we focus on our Strengths, Opportunities, Aspirations, and Results?
Let’s start with Aspirations! Download the HR Self-Assessment and Career Development Form. Complete #1 What would you like to accomplish? Complete #2 What do you value most? Complete #3 and #4 What do you enjoy (and DON’T enjoy) doing? You will retain this development form so your information remains personal. You can choose what you share with your classmates and instructor.
Share some of your desired accomplishments with your classmates. Also, explain how your values support these future desires. If your values are in conflict with your aspirations, does that understanding impact your aspiration? If so, how?
Sample Solution
My desired accomplishments are to take on more responsibility in the workplace, become a leader that people look up to and respect, and find ways to make my work life as enjoyable as possible. I value creativity, hard work, compassion for others, integrity, loyalty and continuous learning. These values support my future aspirations because they guide me towards being a better employee.
Creativity is important when trying to think of innovative solutions or approaches in the workplace; this helps me figure out how I can contribute in meaningful ways while still remaining true to myself. Hard work will be necessary if I want to achieve higher levels of success through taking on more responsibility or becoming a leader; it also proves that I am dedicated and passionate about what I do. Compassion for others is essential not only so that I can understand their needs but also help foster an atmosphere of understanding among coworkers and superiors alike which can ultimately lead to collaboration across departments or teams which could bring new ideas into play. Integrity keeps me honest with myself as well as those around me; this allows us all trust each other’s words so we can move forward together without worrying about our own loyalty being questioned by others. Loyalty then builds on that initial level of trust we had established before hand; it shows people that you will stick by them no matter what hardships come your way thus helping both parties reach higher heights much faster than alone. Finally continuous learning helps broaden my horizons especially when trying new tasks/responsibilities since knowledge is power after all!
If my values were in conflict with my aspirations then yes it would have an impact upon them - though maybe not one large enough where there wouldn’t be room for compromise between them instead (i.e., having high expectations but tempering them with some leniency). For example if someone’s value was money yet they wanted to switch careers paths into something like teaching then they might need to consider how much financial burden this may put upon themselves or their family over time (but at the same time if they love teaching even despite low wages then perhaps finding other means of making extra income such as tutoring during off hours may be something worth exploring). Ultimately whatever decision is made here shouldn’t go against your core values otherwise chances are you won’t remain too happy long-term down such pathways even if short-term gains seem present initially - stay true to yourself always!