On September 25 President Paul gave this brief History of the 4 Way Test
The 4-Way Test has been a part of Rotary for over 70 years, but much has been forgotten about this jewel. Let us learn more about it.
The 4-Way Test has been a part of Rotary for over 70 years, but much has been forgotten about this jewel. Let us learn more about it.
The author of the 4-Way Test is Herbert J. Taylor. He was a member of the Chicago Rotary Club and a prosperous businessman. Interestingly, Herb originally wrote the test, not for Rotary, but for a troubled business that he had taken over.
Let’s go back to 1932, Herb was asked to take over management of a nearly-bankrupt cookware manufacturer called Club Aluminum Company of Chicago. The company owed $400,000 more than its total assets and was barely afloat.
Herb agreed, however, to take on the challenge. He resigned from his current position, taking an 80% pay-cut, and invested thousands of dollars of much needed capital into the company to cover operating expenses.
Looking for a way to turn around the culture of the company, Herb searched for a means to inspire his employees to build a better connection with customers.
Herb first wrote a statement of the things employees “should think, say or do” in their business dealings. That first go round was about 100 words and it was too long. He continued to write, reducing it to seven points, but it was still too long. Finally, he reduced the Test to the four searching questions that comprise it today.
And so, as originally title, “The Four-Way Test of the things we think, say or do” was born:
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?
2. Is it FAIR to all Concerned?
3. Will it build GOODWILL and BETTER FRIENDSHIPS?
4. Will it be BENEFICIAL to all concerned?
Many were skeptical of the 4-way test. One lawyer colleague told Herb, that if he followed the maxims, he would starve to death. Others dismissed the Test as naïve and simplistic.
Nevertheless, Herb made the 4-Way Test the basis for decisions large and small at Club Aluminum. He promoted it among all of his employees. From advertising, to production, to sales, all company actions were measured against the 4-way test.
Profound in its simplicity, employees bought in and the Test gradually created a climate of trust and goodwill among dealers, customers and employees. It became a part of the corporate culture, and improved not only the company’s reputation, but also its finances.
Just 5 years after Herb instituted the Test, and still deep in the Depression, the company’s indebtedness was paid off. For many years into the future, the firm earned millions in profit.
In 1942, Richard Vernor, a director of Rotary International and a colleague of Herb’s, suggested that Rotary adopt the 4-Way Test. The R.I. Board approved the proposal in making The Four-Way Test a component of the Vocational Service program, although today it is considered a vital element in all four Avenues of Service.
This past year has heard much discussion about civility, or more accurately, the lack thereof, in public and private discourse. Just a few weeks ago, in fact, we were led in such a discussion by Ted Celeste, of the National Institute for Civil Discourse.
Eloquently simple, the Four-Way Test offers a fresh and positive vision for turning our culture back to civility. I invite you to stand and recite the 4-Way Test and to also spread it among colleagues.
Note – much of this is borrowed from an article authored by Darrell Thompson, a member of the Rotary Club of Morro Bay, California and found on the internet at www.thefourwaytest.com.