October is Vocational Service Month
Governor's Message
The Hardest Part of The 4-Way Test
Radical, revolutionary, and simple, this creed forms the core of Rotary philosophy
Dear Rotary Friends,
I'm a big admirer of Rotary's 4-Way Test, yet I do find one of the four tests very difficult! But before we get to that, let's acknowledge that the 4-Way Test, while simple at first look, takes a rather bold, possibly even radical stand on ethics.
I say this because I wish I could imagine the world we would have if Rotary's 4-Way Test informed all business, professional, civic, and social relationships! Could it be that the reason we don't have such a world is that our 4-Way Test isn't as easy as it sounds?
Consider this from Rotary International's Vocational Service Web Page:
From the earliest days of the organization, Rotarians were concerned with promoting high ethical standards in their professional lives. One of the world's most widely printed and quoted statements of business ethics is The Four-Way Test, which was created in 1932 by Rotarian Herbert J. Taylor (who later served as RI president) when he was asked to take charge of a company that was facing bankruptcy.
This became the guide for sales, production, advertising, and all relations with dealers and customers, and the survival of the company is credited to this simple philosophy.
Rotary adopted the 4-Way Test in 1943, and considers it a core ideal of our commitment to the Vocational Avenue of Service. Wouldn't these four ethical tests, if followed by everyone, change the world as we know it?
"Of the things we think, say or do:
- Is it the TRUTH?
- Is it FAIR to all concerned?
- Will it build GOODWILL and BETTER FRIENDSHIPS?
- Will it be BENEFICIAL to all concerned?"
#1, powerful as it is, seems easy enough; it asks only for a quick reality check. One of Herbert Taylor's decisions about the Club Aluminum Company was that its advertising had to be truthful. (Talk about radical!)
· #2 raises the question, What is "fair"? To be fair to all concerned, we must consider multiple points of view, which is most likely to lead not only to an ethical choice, but to a better choice. Because Rotarians recognize the value of all worthy occupations, we inherently approach problems from a position of fairness and equality.
· In my job, I work with profit-minded business leaders every day. At times, #3 can seem counter to good business decisions. But, isn't this so only if we're thinking of the short term? Words and actions that promote goodwill and better friendships are good for business in the long run, and they also further one of Rotary's main purposes: to improve the human condition. I'd also argue that they keep us healthier in spirit, brain and body.
· Of course, #4 is the most difficult! This question asks us to take the high road, even when it's hard to reach. It calls on us to seek the best for people, including those who don't seem to deserve it. To meet rudeness with understanding. To skip those ripe opportunities for quick revenge. To be bigger than the circumstances. To honor the human situation, however it occurs. To be creative, to listen responsively. To employ not just wisdom, but kindness.
Can we meet these tests every day? In every situation? Possibly not. But as an ideal to strive for, as a stand to take in a world of elusive truth, slippery justice and the bitter results of weak ethics, it is pure, revolutionary gold. It's in the standing for The 4-Way Test that Rotary distinguishes itself as a force that can change the world.
Let's celebrate Vocational Service Month and the 4-Way Test that sets Rotary apart. Have a great October, and I'll see you at The Foundation Events!
Governor Erna
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