Why do we have the 'Four way Test' and what does it mean to club members?
The first part of a 7 part series on the 'Four Way test'
History of the 'Four Way Test' was based in a time of crisis and impending bankruptcy.
In 1932 a Rotarian was tasked by creditors with rescuing a company in crisis. He sought to make this company different from its competitors whilst turning the business to profit.
He first looked at the company's business ethics. He devised an easily remembered list of four short questions and in time the company not only paid back its creditors, but made a handsome profit.
He said...
"Intangible dividends from the use of the Four-Way Test have been even greater than the financial ones. We have enjoyed a constant increase in the good will, friendship and confidence of our customers, our competitors and the public and what is even more valuable, a great improvement in the moral character of our own personnel.
We have found that you cannot constantly apply the Four-Way Test to all your relations with others eight hours each day in, business without getting into the habit of doing it in your home, social and community life. You thus become a better father, a better friend and a better citizen.”
https://portal.clubrunner.ca/11826/page/history-of-the-four-way-test to read more.
Adopted by Rotary in 1943, The Four-Way Test has been translated into more than a hundred languages and published in thousands of ways.
One question in the list will feature over the next 6 bulletins.
Our members have added to the test over time with
Will it be fun?
Is it good for the environment?
In all we think, say or do, members use these 6 questions to guide their actions and serve others as Rotarians.
