Congratulations to Neal Smith on being named SOAR’s March 2023 Star of the Month! Neal recently celebrated 7 years with SOAR and has been an incredible asset to our team.

Q:  What do you do for your SOAR clients?

A: I have been a trusted agent for senior executives and senior managers collaborating with them on topics such as human capital, resources, discipline, process development/redesign, and strategy. I have assisted my clients in delivering the Program Build to strategically execute resources over the FYDP. I have also prepared governance documents and forums to improve decision making and drive process improvement.

Q:  What do you like best about working at SOAR?

A: At SOAR I have the flexibility to make my own career path, and the support, reach back, and mentoring to achieve my personal goals.

Q: Why does it matter to you to work somewhere that provides purpose and meaning?

A: I have been mentoring a peer on the importance of meaning and personnel accountability and in doing my research, I have found several studies citing that meaningful work improves employee performance by 33 percent, and employees can be 75 percent more committed to their organization, and less likely to leave. I have experienced the debilitating effects of mundane work and try to collaborate with my peers and clients to foster an environment where the team understands their value both individually and to their organization.

Q: What’s your favorite part of working with your SOAR teammates?

A: Their breadth and depth of character and knowledge. The SOAR team’s varied experience, and willingness to engage, make it easier to tackle complex client problems by being there to provide support and encouragement.

Q: Why would you recommend that a prospective candidate consider working for SOAR?

A: The SOAR team and its leadership strive to create a sense of community around the staff by providing support such as training for career advancement; offering profit sharing and performance-based bonuses; celebrating individual and team milestones; and working to find the best fit for employees to enhance job satisfaction. 

We are excited to celebrate Neal and his contributions to both SOAR and his clients this month. Congratulations Neal on a job well done!