Presentation From Vici Papajohn
History of the 4-Way Test
This speech benefits from research by Darrell Thompson Rotary Club of Morro Bay, California with contributions from Douglas W. Vincent and Myron Taylor… Vici thanked the committee members and cochair Anita Marie!
We have all heard of the greatest generation so you won't be surprised that we also get our 4-way test from the very beginning cusp or that age group!!?
More than 80 years ago, in the midst of the Great Depression, a Rotarian devised a simple, four-part ethical guideline that helped him rescue a beleaguered business. The statement and the principles it embodied also helped many others find their own ethical compass.
Soon after, embraced and popularized by Rotary International, The Four-Way Test today stands as one of the organization’s hallmarks.
Herbert Taylor, Chicago Rotarian and author of the Test, was apparently a consummate salesman and as we now know was a very ethical man. In 1932, Herb was asked to help revive the near-bankrupt Club Aluminum Company in Chicago. He already had a good job, but he took the chance and signed up with this troubled firm. Among other things that you normally do to stay alive in business he also crafted a short measuring stick of ethics for the staff to use.
And so, “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?
As simple as it was to remember, the Test became the basis for decisions large and small.
Some doubted its worth in that environment? Any system that calls for measuring actions on the basis of truth and the benefits to others is demanding. Just think of the conflict between those who try to balance integrity and ambition. When you are in survival mode ethics can sometimes play second fiddle.
The Test simply calls for thoughtful examination of one’s motives and goals. This emphasis on truth, fairness and consideration provide a moral diet so rich that it gives some people “ethical indigestion.”
The Four-Way Test was born in the rough and tumble world of business, and put to the acid test of experience in one of the toughest times that the business community has ever known. At Club Aluminum in the 1930s, everything was measured against The Four-Way Test and gradually created a climate of trust and goodwill among dealers, customers and employees and eventually helped improve Club Aluminum’s reputation and finances. By 1937, Club Aluminum’s was out of debt and during the next 15 years, distributed more than $1 million in dividends to its stockholders. Its net worth climbed to more than $2 million. That Herbert would be fired for results like that today but back then it was pretty good I guess.
In 1942, Rotary adopted the Test and made it a component of the Vocational Service program and is a vital element in all four Avenues of Service.
Today, more than eight decades since its creation is it still relevant? Is it sophisticated enough to guide business and professionals in these fast-paced times? Well that is for you to decide.
The Four-Way Test is international, transcending national boundaries and language barriers. It knows no politics, dogma or creed. More than a code of ethics, it has all the ingredients for a successful life in every way. I think the real question is “Are we all courageous enough to live by the test?”
At the heart of Rotary today is The Four-Way Test, a call to moral excellence. The whole fabric of the capitalistic system rests to a large degree on trust . . . on the confidence that professionals will most of the time deal fairly and honestly, not only with each other, but also with the general public, with the consumer, the stockholder and the employee.”
Few things are needed more in our society than moral integrity. The Four-Way Test will guide those who dare to use it for worthy objectives: choosing, winning, and keeping friends; getting along well with others; ensuring a happy home life; developing high ethical and moral standards; becoming successful in a chosen business or profession; and becoming a better citizen and better example for the next generation.
Eloquently simple and undeniable in its results, The Four-Way Test still offers a fresh and positive vision in the midst of a world full of tension, confusion and uncertainty.
We have taken this test to the schools and challenged our students to think about what this test means to them and how it may be applied in their school or to solve other sticky situations. We got plenty of spirited entries but only two were selected.
Our first student to be recognized today is Samantha Bixler from Gulf Breeze High School.
GBHS: Second place-- Bethany McKinney
Third Place - Ben Linkous
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Our next student is from the elementary school, a fifth grader from Mike Rodgerson’s class, who even brought a special guest David Chavez!
GBES: SECOND PLACE (two-way tie)
(Using the four way test everyday) - Sophie MilleR, Wildebrant CLASS
(Flat Tax) BY - Allison McLaughlin, MR Chavez CLASS
THIRD PLACE (two-way tie)
(Animal Rescue) by Nora Elliot, Mrs. Vignes class AND
(Is slavery ethical?) by- Ian McLaughlin, Chavez CLASS
If you live by the four way test you may find yourself outside your comfort zone. It requires courage live by the four way test doesn’t it?
Our GBMS winner could not be with us today, her name is Sheridan Balthazar
GBMS – second place- Bryanna Bevil
3rd Place tied : Chloe Dickerson, Camilla Sanchez
This year's essays struck me because they analyzed complicated current challenges in our world, economics, politics and society
Honestly its improbable that we all will live the four way test 100% of the time. We all have regrets, but rather than give up on the ideal or each other I think we just need to consider the Test more often and continue to build up our courage. Just like Herbert did at Club Aluminum.. little by little things turn around.
So let’s have a round of applause for Herbert Taylor, I love you man! And also for our essay winners and their families who are obviously doing something right. Congratulations and thanks for your participation.
GBHS:
First place – SAMANTHA BIXLER
Second place - BETHANY MCKINNEY
Third Place -BEN LINKOUS
(Principle - DANNY BROTHERS)
GBES –
FIRST PLACE (Robby Strong) IN Mr. Rodgerson CLASS - David Chavez
SECOND PLACE (two-way tie)
(Using the four way test everyday) - Wildebrant Sophie Miller
(Flat Tax) BY student 14 Chavez - Allison McLaughlin
THIRD PLACE (two-way tie)
#40 (Animal Rescue) BY Student #7 Vignes - Nora Elliot
AND #65 (Is slavery ethical?) BY Student# 15 Chavez - Ian McLaughlin
(PRINCIPAL WARREN STEVENS)
GBMS
1st place: Sheridan Balthazar
2nd Place: Bryanna Bevil
3rd Place: Chloe Dickerson, Camilla Sanchez
Were Recognized Monday on ITV
Michael Brandon , Principal
History of the 4-Way Test
This speech benefits from research by Darrell Thompson Rotary Club of Morro Bay, California with contributions from Douglas W. Vincent and Myron Taylor… Vici thanked the committee members and cochair Anita Marie!
We have all heard of the greatest generation so you won't be surprised that we also get our 4-way test from the very beginning cusp or that age group!!?
More than 80 years ago, in the midst of the Great Depression, a Rotarian devised a simple, four-part ethical guideline that helped him rescue a beleaguered business. The statement and the principles it embodied also helped many others find their own ethical compass.
Soon after, embraced and popularized by Rotary International, The Four-Way Test today stands as one of the organization’s hallmarks.
Herbert Taylor, Chicago Rotarian and author of the Test, was apparently a consummate salesman and as we now know was a very ethical man. In 1932, Herb was asked to help revive the near-bankrupt Club Aluminum Company in Chicago. He already had a good job, but he took the chance and signed up with this troubled firm. Among other things that you normally do to stay alive in business he also crafted a short measuring stick of ethics for the staff to use.
And so, “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?
As simple as it was to remember, the Test became the basis for decisions large and small.
Some doubted its worth in that environment? Any system that calls for measuring actions on the basis of truth and the benefits to others is demanding. Just think of the conflict between those who try to balance integrity and ambition. When you are in survival mode ethics can sometimes play second fiddle.
The Test simply calls for thoughtful examination of one’s motives and goals. This emphasis on truth, fairness and consideration provide a moral diet so rich that it gives some people “ethical indigestion.”
The Four-Way Test was born in the rough and tumble world of business, and put to the acid test of experience in one of the toughest times that the business community has ever known. At Club Aluminum in the 1930s, everything was measured against The Four-Way Test and gradually created a climate of trust and goodwill among dealers, customers and employees and eventually helped improve Club Aluminum’s reputation and finances. By 1937, Club Aluminum’s was out of debt and during the next 15 years, distributed more than $1 million in dividends to its stockholders. Its net worth climbed to more than $2 million. That Herbert would be fired for results like that today but back then it was pretty good I guess.
In 1942, Rotary adopted the Test and made it a component of the Vocational Service program and is a vital element in all four Avenues of Service.
Today, more than eight decades since its creation is it still relevant? Is it sophisticated enough to guide business and professionals in these fast-paced times? Well that is for you to decide.
The Four-Way Test is international, transcending national boundaries and language barriers. It knows no politics, dogma or creed. More than a code of ethics, it has all the ingredients for a successful life in every way. I think the real question is “Are we all courageous enough to live by the test?”
At the heart of Rotary today is The Four-Way Test, a call to moral excellence. The whole fabric of the capitalistic system rests to a large degree on trust . . . on the confidence that professionals will most of the time deal fairly and honestly, not only with each other, but also with the general public, with the consumer, the stockholder and the employee.”
Few things are needed more in our society than moral integrity. The Four-Way Test will guide those who dare to use it for worthy objectives: choosing, winning, and keeping friends; getting along well with others; ensuring a happy home life; developing high ethical and moral standards; becoming successful in a chosen business or profession; and becoming a better citizen and better example for the next generation.
Eloquently simple and undeniable in its results, The Four-Way Test still offers a fresh and positive vision in the midst of a world full of tension, confusion and uncertainty.
We have taken this test to the schools and challenged our students to think about what this test means to them and how it may be applied in their school or to solve other sticky situations. We got plenty of spirited entries but only two were selected.
Our first student to be recognized today is Samantha Bixler from Gulf Breeze High School.
GBHS: Second place-- Bethany McKinney
Third Place - Ben Linkous
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Our next student is from the elementary school, a fifth grader from Mike Rodgerson’s class, who even brought a special guest David Chavez!
GBES: SECOND PLACE (two-way tie)
(Using the four way test everyday) - Sophie MilleR, Wildebrant CLASS
(Flat Tax) BY - Allison McLaughlin, MR Chavez CLASS
THIRD PLACE (two-way tie)
(Animal Rescue) by Nora Elliot, Mrs. Vignes class AND
(Is slavery ethical?) by- Ian McLaughlin, Chavez CLASS
If you live by the four way test you may find yourself outside your comfort zone. It requires courage live by the four way test doesn’t it?
Our GBMS winner could not be with us today, her name is Sheridan Balthazar
GBMS – second place- Bryanna Bevil
3rd Place tied : Chloe Dickerson, Camilla Sanchez
This year's essays struck me because they analyzed complicated current challenges in our world, economics, politics and society
Honestly its improbable that we all will live the four way test 100% of the time. We all have regrets, but rather than give up on the ideal or each other I think we just need to consider the Test more often and continue to build up our courage. Just like Herbert did at Club Aluminum.. little by little things turn around.
So let’s have a round of applause for Herbert Taylor, I love you man! And also for our essay winners and their families who are obviously doing something right. Congratulations and thanks for your participation.
GBHS:
First place – SAMANTHA BIXLER
Second place - BETHANY MCKINNEY
Third Place -BEN LINKOUS
(Principle - DANNY BROTHERS)
GBES –
FIRST PLACE (Robby Strong) IN Mr. Rodgerson CLASS - David Chavez
SECOND PLACE (two-way tie)
(Using the four way test everyday) - Wildebrant Sophie Miller
(Flat Tax) BY student 14 Chavez - Allison McLaughlin
THIRD PLACE (two-way tie)
#40 (Animal Rescue) BY Student #7 Vignes - Nora Elliot
AND #65 (Is slavery ethical?) BY Student# 15 Chavez - Ian McLaughlin
(PRINCIPAL WARREN STEVENS)
GBMS
1st place: Sheridan Balthazar
2nd Place: Bryanna Bevil
3rd Place: Chloe Dickerson, Camilla Sanchez
Were Recognized Monday on ITV
Michael Brandon , Principal
