Whether you’re preparing for an interview, making the case to funders, or reflecting on your performance, telling your story effectively is key to advancing your career. Too often, we undersell our achievements or struggle to articulate our impact.

That’s where the SOAR Stories Framework comes in.

SOAR—Situation, Obstacles, Actions, and Results—provides a clear way to capture and communicate your accomplishments. This framework helps you move beyond vague descriptions and instead tell a compelling, structured story about your success.

Why SOAR?

• It helps you get clarity on the value you bring.
• It boosts your confidence by framing your challenges as growth experiences.
• It creates a compelling case for why you deserve funding, a promotion, or a new opportunity.

By writing down your SOAR stories in advance, you’ll always have concrete examples ready when you need them—whether for a performance review, a grant application, or a tough interview question.

How to Use SOAR to Document Your Success

1. Situation: What Was the Context?

Start by setting the stage. Describe the situation you were in—what was the challenge, project, or goal you were working toward? Keep it brief but specific.

2. Obstacles: What Challenges Did You Face?

Every meaningful achievement comes with obstacles. Identifying these roadblocks shows your resilience and problem-solving skills.

3. Actions: What Did You Do?

This is where you showcase your leadership, problem-solving, and initiative. Describe the specific steps you took to address the situation.

4. Results: What Was the Impact?

End with measurable outcomes. Did you increase engagement, secure funding, or drive meaningful change? If you don’t have numbers, qualitative impact—such as testimonials or organizational growth—can be just as powerful.

Using SOAR for Interviews, Funders, and Performance Reviews

📌 For Interviews: When asked, “Tell me about a time you solved a challenge,” respond with a SOAR story. It gives the interviewer a structured, impactful answer that highlights your abilities.

📌 For Funders: When writing grants or pitching to donors, use SOAR to demonstrate how your organization identifies needs, overcomes challenges, and delivers measurable results.

📌 For Performance Reviews: SOAR helps you advocate for yourself with clear evidence of your contributions. It turns vague self-assessments into compelling proof of your impact.

Start Documenting Your SOAR Stories Today

You already have success stories—SOAR helps you capture them effectively. Take a few minutes to write down one SOAR story from your work. The more you practice, the easier it will be to tell your story when it matters most.

For more information about how to create your SOAR stories, join the second live session of the She Leads with Purpose course on March 18. Sign up now to explore how you can document all of the ways that you are amazing!

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Can’t make the live event? View my video on SOAR.

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