SOAR is the acronym of a new strategic planning process that is based on discovering and multiplying what the organization does well. SOAR takes the Appreciative Inquiry philosophy and applies it to provide a strategic thinking and dialogue process. The authors have been instrumental in developing this process and will share the concept and case studies to give you the confidence to try SOAR.
Jacqueline Stavros has 20 years experience in strategic planning, marketing, international, and organization development and change. Jackie is an Associate Professor for the College of Management, Lawrence Technological University, where she teaches and integrates strengths-based practices like SOAR, Appreciative Inquiry, and sustainable development concepts in her courses: Leading Organizational Change, Strategic Management, and Organization Development.
She has worked and traveled to over a dozen countries in Asia, Europe, and North America. Clients have included: ACCI Business System, BAE Systems, Fasteners, Inc., General Motors of Mexico, Jefferson Wells, NASA, Girl Scouts USA, gedas International, Orbseal Technologies, Tendercare, United Way, as well as many automotive suppliers, nonprofit organizations, and higher education institutions.
She has co-authored and edited many books, book chapters and articles including: Dynamic Relationships: Unleashing the Power of Appreciative Inquiry in Daily Living (with Cheri Torres) and The First Appreciative Inquiry Handbook: for Leaders of Change (with David Cooperrider and Diana Whitney), and the third edition of Practicing Organization Development: A Guide for Leading Change.
She earned a Doctorate in Management at Case Western Reserve University, an MBA from Michigan State University, and a BA from Wayne State University. Jackie is an associate for the Taos Institute. She is a board member of the Positive Change Core, a virtual global organization that focuses on strengths-based approaches to learning in primary education (Pk-12th grade). She is a member of the Academy of Management, Organization Development Network, and the Organization Development Institute. Contact her at jstavros@comcast.net.
Gina Hinrichs is founder and president of Hinrichs Consulting, L.L.C., which provides business management consulting for continuous and sustainable improvement. During the last 25 years, Gina has worked in engineering, operations, marketing, and project management. She has led many workshops and projects to achieve shifts in performance and process improvement. Gina consults with a range of organizations from education and social profit organizations to companies with $20 billion in sales. She works with IBM, John Deere, Schneider National, ProHealth Care, Quad City Bank & Trust, U.S. Cellular, Library Systems, Community Action organizations, and multiple schools systems. Her career and client experience combine to provide a rich understanding of organizations and processes to facilitate change.
She has co-authored and edited several book chapters and articles including: The Fieldbook for Collaborative Work Systems and The Handbook of High-Performance Virtual Teams. She is working on a new book called, It takes a Community: Strength-focused Transformation for Schools.
Gina has earned a Ph.D. in Organization Development, an MBA from Northwestern University, Master s in Organizational Behavior, a BA in History, and a BS in Engineering. Gina is an adjunct professor of management for Capella University, Lawrence Technological University, and Benedictine University and is a past editor of OD Journal. She teaches management courses combining strategy and organization development theory, critical thinking, and practical experience to prepare emerging business leaders. Contact her at hinrichs@geneseo.net
