Power without accountability is an invitation to dominance.
I've been watching someone in a service position misuse their power. They make unilateral decisions, dismiss input, act as if the role makes them special. And I recognized something uncomfortable: I've done the same thing. Maybe not in Al-Anon service, but in my family, at work, in friendships.
Power goes straight to my ego. Give me any authority—parent, employee, volunteer—and part of me wants to use it to prove I'm capable, important, necessary. I start believing my judgment is superior. I stop listening. I make it about me instead of service. Concept Six teaches that power must be balanced with accountability. But the deeper truth is about ego versus humility. My ego wants power to validate me. Humility knows that any power I have is meant to serve others, not feed my sense of importance.
When I'm accountable—when I have to answer to others, explain my choices, accept feedback—I can't hide behind the role. Accountability keeps my ego in check. It reminds me I'm a trusted servant, not a special authority. The power isn't mine; I'm just holding it for a while.
Practice
I will remind myself that humility is not thinking less of myself, but thinking of myself less. I will ask God to show me my true size—small enough to need help, but precious enough to deserve it.
Today’s Reminder
Power feeds my ego; accountability keeps me humble.
