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For six decades Rotarians have been using The Four-Way Test as a practical yardstick in their business, community, and personal affairs. Thousands of Rotarians have used it and shared it with others. Millions of copies have been distributed to students and business associates. The Test has been the theme of countless essay contests and addresses.
History of The Four-Way Test
Herbert J. Taylor, a Chicago Rotarian and president of Rotary International conceived the Four-Way Test. In 1932, the creditors of the company assigned Taylor the task of rescuing an all-but-bankrupt aluminum cookware company.
Looking at the situation of the company and its competitors, Taylor decided that the only avenue in which the company could compete with them was in the character, dependability, and service-mindedness of company personnel. He felt the company needed a simple measuring stick of ethics, which everyone in the company could use.
In July, 1932, after careful consideration, Taylor penned, “The Four-Way Test of the things we think, say, or do” as follows:
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?
After a long, faithful, constant effort to live up to The Four-Way Test, he decided to apply the test company-wide. The employees of the company were asked to memorize the test and apply it in every facet of company operations, from advertising to dealing with its customers and creditors, to relations with its own employees. Before an employee of the company could proceed on any course of action, the honest answer to all four questions had to be, “yes.”
The result is a legend of Rotary. Slowly but surely, the company began to succeed and, within twenty years had become very successful and profitable.
In January 1943, Rotary decided to make The Four-Way Test a part of the Vocational Service ideal and, in 1954, Taylor turned over all rights to the test to Rotary.
Rotarians have always shown a deep interest in young people, the future of the world. Since 1952 there have been a number of Rotary programs to introduce The Four-Way Test to schoolchildren.
The Invitation
Rotary District 6450 and your local Rotary Club invite students in grades 6 through 8 to participate in our Four-Way Test Essay Contest. Rotarians around the world use the Four-Way Test to help guide us in the decisions we make, both personally and professionally.
This is the ffifth year for this contest and it has proven to be a valuable exercise for the Middle School students who participate. Students are asked to write a short essay on “How Can I Apply the Four-Way Test in My Life.” This contest serves several purposes including:
- Promoting good citizenship in the Middle Grades.
- Giving students an opportunity to excel in their school.
- Helping instill the Rotary philosophy of service and ethics into your school.
Rotarians feel that these essay contests are a valuable tool in the effort to stress ethical behavior in young people and would be “Beneficial to all concerned.”
As the twig is bent,
so grows the tree.
Don`t forget to download the information and adapt it to your Rotary Club`s needs.
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Thomas Drake - Lockport
815-838-5000 (W)
Lockport1000@yahoo.com
The 4-Way Test
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?
07-08 Contest Downloads
4-Way Test Contest Packet (zip) --these are word docs.
4-Way Test Contest Packet - PDF (zip) --all pages in one send.
Individual pages can be selected and downloaded:
Posted January 25, 2007
(These documents require Adobe Reader Version 6 or 7.)
2006-2007 Winners
The Four-Way Essay Test competition was just completed and we have four winners this year. Two clubs tied for third place.
The winners are as follows;
Celens Campbell
First Place Evergreen Park Rotary Club
Sarah Delaney
Second Place Channahon/Minooka Rotary Club
Courtney Romolt
Third Place (Tie) Woodridge Rotary Club
Margaret Kienzie
Third Place Westmont Rotary Club
We had twelve clubs participate in the 06-07 contest. The grading was done by three Rotarians from different clubs. The Rotarians doing the scoring were varied by design, One is a PDG, one a district officer and the third a new Rotarian with one year’s experience.
Tom Drake, Chairman. |
