President Anna - The 4-Way Test

 

Throughout this Rotary year there have been many times when the 4-way test has been used to challenge a particular decision or event. So, I thought that we should have a healthy discussion about some of the specific components of the 4-Way Test. So let’s start with

#1 – The Intro
Please repeat after me the 4-Way test Of the things we think say or do

#2 - Is it the truth?
What is truth?
One would assume that the truth would be self evident but in reality the truth is subjective. Your truth is based upon your perspective, your vantage point and yes your inherent biases. Depending on the amount of information one has and whether they have a complete understanding of all the facts (almost impossible) one can arrive at the truth. But since we can’t profess to know all of the facts and even being an eye witness to an event does not ensure that we have “seen” everything and accurately recall everything – the truth becomes and remains highly subjective. It is easy to assume that you know the truth but since we don’t have all the facts the only things that we can know the truth about is whether what we say about ourselves is the truth. We should all endeavor to tell the truth but be cautious not to assume that we know the truth particularly as it pertains to others. As a result, we should all be careful when we make factual statements because we will be held to the truth of those statements so make sure you check your facts and be careful that you express yourself accurately.

#3 – Is it fair to all concerned?
This year I heard many times “it’s not fair to all concerned” and I realized that this component of the 4-Way test may not be well understood. The key word in - is it fair to all concerned is not fair but all. The test is not whether it is fair to me or to Larry or to Mary the test is – is it fair to ALL – Everyone. Think about it, what may be fair to me may not be fair to Larry but if you truly step out of the box and ask what is fair to all then the test can accurately be applied. The test, I humbly assert, is not if it is not fair to one then it is not fair to all. If we were to use that standard we wouldn’t get anything accomplished. However, if we address an issue neutrally without asking about the particular impact on one person or another then we can treat everyone equally. It is impossible to apply this 4-Way test by analyzing each individual’s issues or needs because what is fair to all is not the same as is it fair to me. Saying that it is not fair to an individual does not mean that it is not fair to all concerned. Invariably the challenges to this 4-way test boils down to an incorrect assumption that if it is not fair to one person then it is not fair to all concerned – that is not the 4-way test. By honestly evaluating whether something is fair to all there will be people who will not think it is fair to them personally, but those same people, as Rotarians must ask themselves whether it is nevertheless fair to all concerned – has everyone been treated equally? Then and only then can we begin to have an honest and healthy conversation about whether something is fair to all concerned.

Sincerely, Anna Paiewonsky, President of The Rotary Club of St. Thomas