Synovus Financial Institute

The story of Synovus Financial Institute began in the 1888 with Jim Gunby Jordan whom had a vision of a bank that treated both customers and employees fairly and with more of a family like atmosphere rather than an a business atmosphere. Mr. Jordan had a business head about himself and that coupled with his servant like attitude he saw his vision quickly succeed even when other similar companies were floundering. Jordan’s mentality was always geared towards helping others and it was this very attitude and approach that led to the servant model of his business. The mental model of “I serve as opposed to the “I lead” mentality was the attitude that permiated the walls Synovus and every employee within (Sendjaya and Sarros, 2002, p. 60). The employees would follow suit because they could see first hand how Jordan’s business approach affected their lives both inside and outside of work.

Jordan set the standard for the way Synovus would do business and the treatment of others, both inside and outside of Synovus. "The Golden Rule:DoWhat Is Right culture operateswith the simplicity of a mere handful of founding principles, ones it is difficult to imagine not being able to resonate with" (Hess and Cameron, 2006, p. 15). This attitude followed every exchange of ownership as it was handed down within the family seeking out individuals that held the same servant attitude that was instilled within Mr. Jordan. This servant way of business led to Synovus’ great financial stability even in times of crisis such as the Great Depression, Synovus held strong. “At the end of year 1995 Synovus had approximately $8 billion in assets” (Synovus Financial Corp., 1996, p.22) which proves that the right attitude and approach really can get you a long way in the business world.

Synovus as always operated with sincerity and fairness and this can be seen by the way the company treats its employees. Synovus gives the employees some of the highest benefits packages available, has been named year after year as one of the best companies to work for, named one of the best companies for working mothers and is confirmed over and over again by interviews with the companies employees themselves. Synovus has prided itself on fair treatment and servanthood and for that reason it has stood the test of time as a company is only as good as the heart of its company, its leaders and employees. Proverbs 22:3 is a prime example of the servant attitude of Mr. Jordan and other Synovus’ leaders, “The prudent see danger and take refuge, but the simple keep going and pay the penalty.” Mr. Jordan’s prudent manner instilled within the core of the Synovus culture has proven exactly the refuge that was sought which has kept this company afloat for centuries as a strong thriving business that is a shinning example within the business world of the greatness that lies within a servant mentality.

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