I think that today, for the first time in my Rotaract career and certainly the first time in my DRR posting, I faced a major dilemma that I turned to the Four-Way Test for. In times prior where I needed advice or sot after the knowledge of another I have turned to certain people within the District who were able to point me in the right direction or give me that bit of insight that I had previously overlooked. This time however, I was really just that unsure. People either didn’t have the answer, were unsure of what to say, or they just weren’t the right people to ask given the situation.
The Four-Way Test, for those who are unaware, states:
Of the things we think, say or do
- Is it the TRUTH?
- Is it FAIR to all concerned?
- Will it build GOODWILL and BETTER FRIENDSHIPS?
- Will it be BENEFICIAL to all concerned?”
There is a club in the district that has been around for some time but over the past couple years, by the definitions set forth by Rotary International, has been inactive. They meet but not frequent enough to be considered in good standing and there aren’t enough members to hold quorum not to mention enough to fill a full board. It is really unfortunate because in the past this club had been a real force in the district. As it stands we are left with the decision of what to do, where to go from here.
Enter -> Four-Way Test.
I actually used it to debate with myself the pros and cons of both sides of the situation to see how it would likely play out. I read into it almost like a legal framework. Although I cannot really divulge more information pertaining to the situation at hand, I can tell you that I feel better in the decision I am making and I am sure that the outcome will be the correct one.
Try it sometime. Try it on a simple question or a situation that you are posed. Seriously, give it a chance… I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised at how the problem plays out!