Rotary’s Four-Way Test 610.2
Josephson Institute is in the midst of a major project with Rotary International to enhance the character-building and ethical decision-making aspects of its high school leadership program called the Rotary Youth Leadership Awards, or RYLA.
Rotary is not the only fine service organization that positively influences society, but one program feature I especially admire is its rigorous and vigorous commitment to high ethical standards and service above self.
Rotarians are encouraged to use a decision-making guide called The Four-Way Test that directs them to think, speak, and act in a manner that promotes truthfulness, fairness, goodwill and strong friendships, and making decisions that benefit all concerned.
The universal appeal of this moral foundation is demonstrated by Rotary’s growth from a small club in Chicago to a huge global enterprise with more than a million members.
Membership in an organization with lofty deals won’t assure consistent adherence to stated values, however. Noble rhetoric and good intentions aren’t always enough to overcome the fears, temptations, and rationalizations that can divert us from the path of virtue.
Still, The Four-Way Test is a powerful foundation for a better society, and it's impressive that Rotary’s ardent advocacy of service and ethics has resonated around the world with so many men and women in business and the professions. Most people really do want to live a worthy life of virtue.
As we struggle to cope with the horrendous results of a less honorable approach to business by far too many executives and politicians, it may be helpful to teach and advocate Rotary’s simple prescription: Be honest, fair, and concerned with the well-being of all concerned.
This is Michael Josephson reminding you that character counts.
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Comments
What's the point of getting regular people to follow The Four-Way Test when he who has the gold does not take this into consideration?
Fact: Some people are dishonest and will remain dishonest no matter what. Is it wise to treat them equally?
Posted by: anonymous | March 17, 2009 12:35 AM
While conducting programs in high schools and colleges for Rotary through RYLA, I realized the power and impact of this Four-Way Test. The right hand is stronger than the left hand as we use the right hand more. What we do not use, we lose!
Education concentrates on the head and not the heart. Thus, the head gets stronger than the heart. While the head is doubt/competition-oriented, the heart is love and faith/sharing-oriented. Leadership training based on The Four-Way Test gives insights into realities, and revelations help participants see the reality. Some write back telling their wonderful experiences.
The Four-Way Test is the answer to today's problems!
Posted by: Ajit Kaikini | March 19, 2009 6:16 PM
Anonymous sadly misses the point. The ethical base of any society is found in the hearts of "regular people." From there it extends to "he who has the gold." Cynicism begets more cynicism.
Posted by: Jim Broadway | March 20, 2009 6:41 AM
As a Rotarian, I appreciate Michael's comments and very much enjoyed meeting him at one of our regional meetings. Rotary has more than 32,000 clubs located in more than 200 countries and regional areas. I am excited about JI's participation in our RYLA program and look forward to collaborating on other projects in the future. You are a good man, Michael Josephson!
Posted by: Dave Lemak | March 20, 2009 12:56 PM
The Rotary Four-Way Test doesn't go far enough as it's written. It can and has been used by some, usually the ones with seniority, to operate and socialize with a smaller, entrenched group or individual's own needs. Be careful when working with it as it needs to be adjusted to today's moral, ethical, and social issues.
Posted by: A former Rotarian | March 21, 2009 7:34 PM
The Four-Way Test is commendable. Even as a non-Rotarian, I try to employ the principles of The Four-Way Test (and others) in my business dealings. Of course, people sometimes fall short of the ideal. In a previous job, I was subjected to a substantial public insult followed by a meager private apology -- by a Rotarian.
Posted by: Bob Parker | March 24, 2009 10:15 AM