[Note:  You're welcome to republish this article on your website, blog or in your newsletter.  Simply send Michael a message, stating your intentions.]

Standards are great because everybody has them. Tweet this

This old chestnut is more amusing than ever as society continues to evolve into lifestyles that allow for less etiquette, incomplete sentences, and Casual Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday. etc.

Rotary, a century-old service organization, has long used a simple creed that helps benchmark a high ethical standard for it’s members. 

The Rotary Four-Way Test

The 4-Way Test is a simple and elegant standard that goes like this:

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?

Can one standard apply to everyone?

Herbert J. Taylor

Rotarian Herbert J. Taylor created this code of ethics in 1932 and it was adopted by Rotary 11 years later.

The test has been translated into more than 100 languages and is recited during weekly Rotary meeting in 33, 000 clubs all over the world.  

The world would be a better place if everyone adopted this standard, eh?

I am a lifetime Rotarian and currently serving as President of the Troy Rotary Club of Michigan where we recite the four-way test at the end of every meeting.