WinShape Foundation’s Gary Donaldson Encourages Shorter Character Education Students
Gary Donaldson, senior director of business services for the WinShape Foundation, was a guest speaker at Shorter University’s Character Education course on Thursday, March 31.
Donaldson, who commutes to Rome each day from his home in Atlanta, told the students, “If you have something you are passionate about, what effort you put into it is of nominal importance. It is well worth it.” To achieve that kind of work-life balance, he encouraged the students to find God’s purpose for their lives and align their work and activities with that purpose.
Sharing his personal journey from finding himself incarcerated overnight at age 17 for “being in the wrong place at the wrong time,” Donaldson said, “I had a choice to make. I could move forward from that point or I could let that circumstance define my life. My mother and a deputy (in my home county) allowed me to stay overnight. That was a pivotal moment for me. The key is whether or not you allow a bad decision or situation to define your future.”
Donaldson, who oversees the human resources, information technology, security and legal services for the WinShape Foundation, shared insights with the students about how to set themselves apart from the competition in the job market and throughout their careers. He advised that interviewers are often looking at four areas by which they judge candidates: competency, character, chemistry (or fit within the organization), and calling or passion.
“If you have a degree, the assumption is that you hold the competency needed. The others are what sets you apart. When you arrive at an interview, your demeanor and character precede you. If you show up for an interview without a lot of energy and passion, it makes a difference how you are received,” he said.
Donaldson provided students with examples from his 22-year career in the U.S. Army, from which he retired with the rank of lieutenant colonel, and from his second career with Delta Airlines, from which he retired after 13 years as vice president of Airline Commercial Systems (Delta Technology).
Crucial to his professional growth were several key characteristics, including risk taking, which he described as volunteering for the hard jobs; continuous growth or actively seeking to take on new responsibilities; flawless execution or a commitment to performing to perfection; a positive disposition; and being a team player.
He encouraged students to look for a mentor or a sponsor who is willing to help them grow in their chosen field. He also identified the importance of continuing to grow after finishing college.
“Most importantly, look for areas where you can give back,” Donaldson said. “You can begin that now, going to your middle school and high school and seeing what you can do to help.
“The character traits I mentioned are simple, but you’d be surprised how few people cultivate them. It is so easy to lose track of what you should be doing. Don’t just reflect on where you are in life, but where others might be. Without putting yourself at risk – let me repeat that – without putting yourself at risk, give individuals the benefit of the doubt.”
Donaldson’s lecture was hosted by Rick Johnson, who teaches the Character Education Course at Shorter. Johnson’s course examines individual core values, self-discipline, identity, and emotional security, with particular attention on the role played by these elements of character on the students’ personal and spiritual relationships.
“I am always on the lookout for those in the real world who can mix reality and character together in terms of passion, vision, and meaning before my students,” Johnson said. “I thought Gary did a great job with that this morning. Gary has a really big job at WinShape, and his previous experiences prepared him for a job where he truly can live out his life purpose daily.”
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Founded in 1873, Shorter University is a Christ-centered, four-year liberal arts university committed to excellence in education. The Princeton Review annually includes Shorter on its list of best Southeastern Colleges. Shorter is a member of the Council of Christian Colleges and Universities (CCCU). The university offers traditional bachelor’s degrees in 40 areas of study, online courses and degree programs, undergraduate programs for working adults, and four master’s programs. Learn more about Shorter at www.shorter.edu.
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