W O M E N W O R T H WAT C H I N G I N 2 0 0 8
“Everyone is a potential leader, whether through leading people, leading thought or leading projects.”
Elizabeth “Lee Lee” James NUTTER McCLENNEN & FISH, LLP / CREW N SE YT NW OO VR UK S
M
y personal leadership philosophy mirrors Synovus’ Leadership
Model, which is comprised of three main areas of focus. Our model begins with living our values, where we focus inwardly on becoming the best leaders we can be; making others suc-
TITLE:
Vice Chairman and Chief People Officer
EDUCATION: BA, Auburn University; Graduate of Duke University Executive Education Program; Graduate of Cannon Financial Institute Trust School FIRST JOB: Commercial development with the Woodruff Company
cessful, where servant leadership is lived outwardly; and grow-
READING:
ing the business, where the fruits of effective leadership are
FAMILY:
seen through growth, team-member rewards and increased
Whatever sports the boys are participating in at the moment.
shareholder value. LIVING OUR VALUES:
Facing Your Giants, by Max Lucado
Husband, sons 13 and 10
INTERESTS:
FAVORITE CHARITY:
Supports multiple causes
Our company is a dynamic, fluid, moving
organization subject to constant change. But in every decision we make as leaders, we must go back to our core values as a touchstone: We value the worth of every individual; we value
inspires top performance and loyalty. We have to be willing to
service to others, our customers and our communities; and we
reach out to and lift up others. We do this by creating lasting rela-
value a passion for excellence. We expect leaders to act with
tionships, communicating for clear understanding, coaching for
integrity and openness, say what needs to be said, provide
high performance and building a collaborative environment.
feedback in a timely manner and demonstrate courage and candor. Our values expect leaders to exhibit energy, drive and passion, strive for personal learning and take 100 percent responsibility for their actions.
GROWING THE BUSINESS:
As leaders, we have a responsibility
to keep our team members focused on our vision and goals. Our shareholders have made an investment in us, and we have a responsibility to grow the business and produce a profitable return
A leader who genuinely
for them. Whether it is an individual or corporate issue, we all
cares about people and puts their needs before his or her own
have to work on keeping the big picture in mind. We must
MAKING OTHERS SUCCESSFUL:
think strategically and embrace change, make sound decisions and Synovus HEADQUARTERS: Columbus, Georgia WEB SITE: www.synovus.com BUSINESS: Financial services 2006 REVENUES: $32 billion EMPLOYEES: 13,000 COMPANY:
execute for results. Everyone is a potential leader. I believe great leadership is about serving others. It requires an honest look at yourself to determine if you are enabling others to develop the skills, abilities and confidence to become great leaders themselves.
PDJ 92
P RO F I L E S I N D I V E R S I T Y J O U R N A L
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2007