“The Traditions tell us, for example, that the officers of a group are its leaders. Guided by the light of Tradition Two, they will not dominate or direct, as sometimes happens when a strong-willed, opinionated member insists on holding office term after term, and makes decisions for the group.” (ODAT, 20 November)
I can’t dominate or direct, but I can contribute.
I do this in two ways.
Firstly, by directly contributing in a business meeting or group conscience meeting.
Then, I say whatever it is, briefly, simply, and ideally without heat or rolling eyes, and then I can it. The idea doesn’t need to be repeated, explained, or sold. Any idea that is not instinctively bought, that can be bought only if sold aggressively, is usually a bad one. Good ideas dispel darkness, cut through Gordian knots, and are immediately embraced by the majority.
The second way is sponsoring others (whether or not such sponsorship is termed ‘sponsorship’) on the application of the principles of the Steps, the Traditions, and the Concepts.
If I find myself emotionally embroiled, I am best off ducking out of the discussion. No discussion needs me. It needs the group, and I’m just one element of the group. There are always others to act as channels for God’s direction and will.
It is only God who should do the dominating and directing, and, for that to take place, there needs to be surrender to God, in other words a relinquishment of the desire to dominate and direct.