Reluctant Leadership
Whatever Al-Anon seeks to accomplish, we need good leaders to manage it.
I often shy away from service positions because I fear criticism. I don't want to be the Chairperson or the Treasurer because what if I make a mistake? What if people judge me? This is the flip side of the control coin—avoidance. But Concept Eleven reminds me that we need leaders. The program doesn't run on magic; it runs on members willing to suit up and show up.
Leadership in Al-Anon is different from the world. It's not about power; it's about service. It's about 'trusted servants,' not governors. Stepping into a role, even a small one like making coffee, is a spiritual workout. It forces me to work through my fear of inadequacy and my need for everyone to like me. It teaches me to be responsible without being controlling. The structure of Al-Anon relies on people like me saying 'yes' even when I feel 'unfinished.'
I can look for one way to be of service in my next meeting. It might be setting up chairs, greeting newcomers, or offering to read. If my brain says 'someone else will do it better,' I will do it anyway as an act of challenging my fear.
