13th February 2012
We need to check if what we think, say or do is impartial. But the question is how do we verify our actions? Sometime back I came across the Four- Way Test of the Rotary International given below:
The Four Way Test of the things we think, say or do:
- Is it the truth?
- Is it fair to all concerned?
- Will it build goodwill and better friendship?
- Will it be beneficial to all concerned?
In the various examples I have been giving, the ambulance driver who was using the hooter alarm at midnight, the taxi driver who was adamant to listen to his music etc, if they had asked the above questions, I am sure they would have changed their behaviour. In my seminars on self development, I mention that any change which is enforced from outside will be very short lived and resisted since it amounts to manipulation.
Here's an exercise for this weekend: take any one decision that you took with reference to another or any action that you initiated which was controversial and commented upon; then you filter your decision or behaviour through the above questions and revaluate if you would take the same decision or act in the same way now. This is how to use the concept of perceptual position in your everyday life.
In the next few newsletters, I am going to combine the time line concept and perceptual position concept and confuse you! Get ready…
N C Sridharan
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