Concept 09

(short) Good service leadership at all levels is indispensable for our future functioning and safety. Primary world service leadership, once exercised by the founders, must necessarily be assumed by the trustees.
(long) Good service leaders, together with sound and appropriate methods of choosing them, are at all levels indispensable for our future functioning and safety. The primary world service leadership once exercised by the founders of A.A. must necessarily be assumed by the Trustees of the General Service Board of Alcoholics Anonymous.

1. Primary principle(s): leadership, trust, willingness, responsibility, open mindedness, vision, stability, dedication, humility
2. Other principles: consideration, faith, generosity, good nature, helpfulness, honesty, hope, integrity, optimism, patience, perseverance, responsibility, service, surrender, tactfulness, tolerance, understanding, unity, rotation, group conscience, discernment, prudence, courage

Readings:

• Twelve Concepts for World Service - pp. 36-42
• Twelve Concepts Illustrated -S51
• “Leadership in AA” September, 1997 AA Grapevine
• “The Incredible Tapestry” - February 1993 AA Grapevine

Leadership in AA is probably important not only for the collection of wisdom of those who’ve gone before, but to be able to “work out” our responsibility and authority in a manor not injurious to ourselves or the program.

True leadership often has little to do with charisma or powerful personalities, but the willingness and ability to stand in a place where others can eventually unite with us toward a shared goal.

The 12 Concepts Checklist (a service piece from the General Service Office), asks these questions about Concept 9:

• Do we discuss how we can best strengthen the composition and leadership of our future trusted servants?
  • Principles:
• Do we recognize the need for group officers? What is our criteria for election? Do we sometimes give a position to someone “because it would be good for them?”
  • Principles:
• Do I set a positive leadership example?
  • Principles: