SOAR Insights

SOAR Insights brings together the tools, perspectives, and resources you need to lead with confidence. Browse our library of articles, white papers, and templates — and follow us on social media to stay ahead of the conversation.

RESOURCE LIBRARY

Check out SOAR's library of tools, templates and resources.

THE SOAR INSIGHT LAB PODCAST

New episodes. Real conversations. Actionable insights.

The SOAR Insight Lab

Where Human Strategy Meets Workforce Readiness

The SOAR Insight Lab is your destination for expert conversations and actionable strategies that help organizations and individuals navigate the future of work.

Every project starts with a plan. Few finish the way they started.<br /><br />In this first episode of the SOAR Insight Lab, Joanne Gallagher and Steve Cardon dig into a persistent challenge in project management: optimism bias — the deeply human tendency to underestimate timelines, costs, and risk.<br /><br />The research is sobering. Bent Flyvbjerg’s database spans 16,000+ projects across 136 countries, and fewer than 1% finish on time, on budget, and deliver their intended outcomes.<br /><br />More importantly, they share practical ways to counter it — from reference class forecasting to outside-in validation.<br /><br />Whether you’re a seasoned project manager or just promised your boss a report by Friday, this will feel familiar.

11:01

Optimism Bias: The Hidden Reason Projects Go Over Time and Budget

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The SOAR Insight Lab 2

Optimism Bias: The Hidden Reason Projects Go Over Time and Budget

April 12th

Every project starts with a plan. Few finish the way they started.

In this first episode of the SOAR Insight Lab, Joanne Gallagher and Steve Cardon dig into a persistent challenge in project management: optimism bias — the deeply human tendency to underestimate timelines, costs, and risk.

The research is sobering. Bent Flyvbjerg’s database spans 16,000+ projects across 136 countries, and fewer than 1% finish on time, on budget, and deliver their intended outcomes.

More importantly, they share practical ways to counter it — from reference class forecasting to outside-in validation.

Whether you’re a seasoned project manager or just promised your boss a report by Friday, this will feel familiar. ...

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Research & Publications

Rigorous thinking on complex challenges — from project governance to workforce optimization — authored by SOAR’s consultants and advisors.

FEATURED WHITE PAPER

Procurement in the New Florida IT Landscape

State government technology procurement is undergoing a massive structural shift. In response to Florida HB 1197, SOAR provides a comprehensive analysis of the new legislative framework. Discover how agencies and vendors must adapt their requirements, align their contracts, and prioritize transition planning to succeed in an era of strict vendor accountability.

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White Paper

Procurement in the New Florida IT Landscape

Resource Library

Access our open-source tools, templates, and professional development frameworks.

Project Management Worksheet

Tips/Best Practices: • Define the problem your project management plan is intended to solve. • State how the business will benefit. • Lay out the major steps along the way. (Not more than 40 hours per activity)

CCMP Certification Planner

PRE-APPLICATION ACTION ITEMS The items below are based on your unique pathway to CCMP certification. Include any actions you need to complete in preparation of submitting your application. Your action items may include identifying training that works best for you, completing additional CM experience hours to meet minimum qualifications, joining ACMP as a member, investigating the career opportunities with your current employer, etc.

Simple Project Charter Template

A project charter is the foundation of any well-run project. This straightforward template walks you through nine key components — from defining your core objectives to identifying sponsors, stakeholders, and timeframes — giving your team a clear, shared starting point before work begins.