4 questions I try to live by—and why that’s hard

I’ve been a Rotary member since 2018. I know many people think Rotary is a club with a lot of old men—but I can assure you that image is outdated. I’ll share with you one of the foundations of Rotary that I think every person and organization can benefit from. No need to become a member. You can apply these principles right away. 😉

My trip to Japan

My first experience with Rotary was in 2001 when a friend of my parents suggested I apply for the Group Study Exchange. An initiative to study your own profession in a foreign country, learn more about its culture and people. The objective? Better understanding and eventually world peace.

I was selected and was fortunate enough to go to Japan for a month with three others plus a Rotarian who was our team leader. It was educational, inspirational and at times challenging—but I came back wiser and with a friend for life.

I wasn’t considering joining Rotary at that time because I was focused on other things, but my new friend did and loved it.

What changed my mind

Despite this positive experience in Japan, I never thought I would become a member of Rotary—perhaps partially because 25 years ago the vast majority of members were still men.

Until I accepted the invite from a friend to come to an ‘open evening’. To my surprise the evening felt like a warm bath. While I initially came out of obligation, I wanted to stay because of the people. And I’m so glad I did.

Not only have I made new friends and participated in projects that benefit the community, I’ve learned to appreciate the ideas behind Rotary. What resonates is that Rotarians are people of action. They share a passion for solving problems and improving people’s lives. One of the tools that guides that action has become something I use in all areas of my life.

What is Rotary’s Four-Way Test?

One of the things I truly love about Rotary is the Four-Way Test. It’s a set of four questions you’re supposed to ask yourself when you’re interacting with people—and it serves as an ethical guide for members to live by in their personal and professional relationships.

It was developed in 1932 by Herbert J. Taylor, a Chicago Rotarian, when he was asked to save a business from bankruptcy. Every employee was expected to follow this 24-word test and the survival of the company is credited to this simple philosophy. Later when he served as the president of Rotary International, Taylor gave the copyright to Rotary.

Of the things we think, say or do:

1. Is it the TRUTH?
2. Is it FAIR to all concerned?
3. Will it build GOODWILL and BETTER FRIENDSHIPS?
4. Will it be BENEFICIAL to all concerned?

While initially created to save a business, the questions are equally relevant to your personal life. I recommend you keep these questions nearby and try them out in your next interaction.

What is truth?

What I love about the first question is that it reminds me of Byron Katie. Two of the questions she proposes we ask are: “Is it true?” and “Can you absolutely know that it’s true?”

Often we make up stories in our head. We assume things based on our past experience or how we would do things. Allow me to illustrate that with an example.

Let’s say I send someone an email and two days later there’s no response. I might think “They don’t like me.” Or “I should’ve worded it differently.” Or “It was a stupid idea.”

Well, perhaps. But can I absolutely know that any of that is true? No! Of course not. These are simply my assumptions and fears.

Chances are they reply three days later and tell me my email had landed in their spam, or they had the flu, or their response bounced.

So next time you feel yourself spiraling, I recommend you pause and ask yourself first whether it’s the truth. Not just the story in your head but what you’re about to say or write as well.

I think the other three questions speak for themselves, though sometimes giving an honest answer might be the challenge.

Why the Four-Way Test is harder than it sounds

Truly implementing this Four-Way Test might not be as easy as it seems. I admit I don’t always remember to ask myself these questions. But even when you do remember, the answer might challenge you.

In that light I want to share what the creator of these questions said about that:

“I placed this little test under the glass top of my desk and determined to try it out for a few days before talking to anyone else in the company about it. I had a very discouraging experience. I almost threw it into the wastepaper basket the first day when I checked everything that passed over my desk with the first question, “Is it the truth?” I never realized before how far I often was from the truth and how many untruths appeared in our company’s literature, letters and advertising.” — Herbert J. Taylor

So don’t be discouraged if the answers are disappointing at first—because the rewards will be worth it. These questions didn’t just save the company. According to Taylor the intangible benefits outweighed the financial ones.

I know that when we apply these principles, we’ll all benefit. The idea might have been adopted by Rotary, but at the core it’s about being human and living together in a way that’s enjoyable and sustainable. As a result, the world will be a little bit better with every ineraction.

Will you try out the Four-Way Test today? Pick an exchange you’ll test it on and see how that guides your course of action.