Sandy Rotary: Four Questions to Guide Your Life By

If you’ve ever attended a Rotary Club meeting, you’ve likely noticed that  no matter where in the world it takes place, it ends the same way: with four simple questions. These questions form what Rotarians call The Four-Way Test, and they’ve guided the organization’s members for more than 80 years.

At first glance, the Test may seem like a brief checklist, something simple enough to memorize in a minute. But in practice, it’s far more than that. These four questions represent a powerful moral compass, one that Rotarians rely on to guide decisions and build trust in both personal and professional life. At its core, the Four-Way Test calls us back to the basics of strong character and ethical leadership.

Here are the four questions we ask and why they matter:

Is it the truth?

This question encourages honesty in all things, big or small. Rotary teaches that truth isn’t just about avoiding deception: it’s about striving for clarity, transparency, and sincerity. Whether we’re discussing a community project, navigating challenges in business, or facing personal conflicts, Rotary calls on us to slow down, speak clearly, and act with integrity.

Is it fair to all concerned?

Fairness is at the heart of Rotary’s mission. We strive to lift up the lives of those less fortunate, giving them a firmer foundation on which to stand. But fairness isn’t always simple. This question challenges us to step outside our own perspective and truly consider how our choices impact others.

In our clubs, fairness might mean hearing every voice before making a decision. In our work, it might mean looking for equitable solutions rather than convenient ones. And in our communities, it means ensuring that progress includes, not excludes.

Will it build goodwill and better friendships?

Rotary is known worldwide for bringing people together. Many Rotarians will tell you that some of their most meaningful friendships formed while working side by side on Rotary service projects. This question challenges us to be bridge-builders. Are our actions drawing people together? Are we listening as much as we speak? Friendships grow out of goodwill, empathy, and shared purpose.

Every Rotary project, from local scholarship programs to global health campaigns, begins with the spirit of goodwill. When we approach service with kindness and a desire to connect, we strengthen not only our communities, but also ourselves.

Will it be beneficial to all concerned?

The final question asks us to consider the long-term impact of our actions. Rotarians strive for outcomes that help, not harm. As we support local schools, improve access to clean water, or clean up a community garden, we aim for actions that create a lasting, positive difference.

Benefit can take many forms: improved health, expanded opportunity, a safer environment, or simply a renewed sense of hope. This question pushes us to think beyond short-term wins and toward solutions that uplift everyone involved.

A Legacy of Ethical Leadership

These four questions were first written in 1932 by Herbert J. Taylor, a Chicago businessman and Rotarian, during a difficult time in his company. He was looking for a simple ethical guide that could help his employees make the right choices under pressure. Not only did it help stabilize his business, but the clarity and strength of the test soon led Rotary International to adopt it as a guiding principle for members worldwide.

Today, the Four-Way Test is recited by over a million Rotarians around the globe, in nearly every language. It continues to serve as an ethical compass that guides our service and friendships. These are values we practice daily as we lead with purpose and serve with heart.