Most leaders have heard of Rotary International’s four-way test. Many leaders have heard the four-way test repeated over and over as they nod their head in agreement and support. Unfortunately, many leaders do not model, respect, live, and lead in accordance with the four-way test.
Oh how this world desperately needs men and women who live and lead by what I call the Leadership Four-Way Test. In preparing to speak or act, every leader should first put what they are going to say or do to this test:
“Is it the truth?” Unfortunately, this first question probably eliminates more than you’d think. Very often what we consider to be the truth is not really “the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth—so help me God!” Often what we consider to be truth is actually tainted, whether by personal bias, popular opinion, or just common hearsay. So consider this carefully: is it really the truth?
“Is it fair to all concerned?” This is a difficult leadership question to honestly ask in business or any other environment. Yet, it should be asked. We need not be unfair to effectively lead and succeed. In fact, if we have been unfair, we probably have not truly succeeded.
“Will it build goodwill and better friendships?” Truly effective leadership is all about building goodwill and better relationships. Excellent, long-lasting relationships with all people and organizations—whether inside or outside of our own organization—is crucial.
“Will it be beneficial to all concerned?” Truly effective leadership is all about serving others, helping others succeed, and making our community, our country, and our world a better place for all—including current and future generations.
Is this leadership four-way test contrary to the American dream of personal, professional, and organizational competition and success? Absolutely not! Truth, fairness, goodwill, and better relationships, as well as behavior and attitudes beneficial to all concerned, are the bedrock of lasting, highly successful, principled leadership.
The Leadership Four-Way Test would be an excellent topic for leadership discussions and mentoring throughout your entire organization.
One of my favorite quotations was written by W. Clement Stone: “If there is little to lose by trying, and a great deal to gain if successful, by all means try!” Integrate the Leadership Four-Way Test into your leadership expectations and your corporate culture. You have nothing to lose, and unimaginable potential short and long-term gains for both your leaders and your entire organization!
