We all evaluate opportunities differently. Some trust their instincts, diving in headfirst. Others rely on a strong gut feeling or intuition to guide them. Still others, driven by logic, may dismiss emotions and instead assess opportunities based on reason and practicality.
However, many of us lack a structured approach to evaluating these opportunities, or even the choices we make daily.
Fortunately, there’s a simpler method to determine whether our decisions and opportunities meet ethical standards. This concise, 32-word statement of business ethics, developed in the 1930s, revitalized a struggling company. Employees applied these four questions to every facet of the business. These questions, originating from Rotary International, a renowned humanitarian organization, remain one of the most widely circulated and translated codes of business ethics:
“Of the things we think, say or do:
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?”
Adopting these four simple questions as a foundation for our businesses and lives shifts us away from a competitive mindset and scarcity mentality. These questions encourage us to prioritize truth, fairness, and goodwill, fostering choices that strengthen relationships and benefit everyone involved.
Societal influences often lead us toward competitive thinking, rooted in scarcity and, ultimately, greed.
Any opportunity built on competition and lack is unlikely to pass this ethical test. Competition fuels conflict, focusing on securing a single spot and excluding others. It perpetuates the myth of limited success, while, in truth, abundance exists for all.
The competitive model pushes individuals to depend on external sources for fulfillment, undermining their innate ability to create their own opportunities. This narrow perspective blinds them to the potential of creating unique opportunities instead of vying for limited positions.
This straightforward testing technique redirects us from a competitive mindset of greed and scarcity. It encourages positive thinking, recognizing opportunities that offer mutual benefits.
I encourage you to apply these questions to assess your actions and opportunities. If you’re seeking opportunities, these questions can provide a fresh perspective. By doing so, you may discover opportunities that genuinely allow you to improve the world while simultaneously achieving your personal dreams, goals, and desires.