Every Fall (or every other Fall), a familiar ritual unfolds throughout Alcoholics Anonymous.

Groups elect GSRs. Districts elect DCMs. Areas elect officers, committee chairs, delegates, and other trusted servants. Most elections are conducted respectfully and prayerfully. Yet if we’re honest, we’ve all heard reasons for electing someone that have very little to do with leadership.

• “It’s her turn.”
• “He’s been around a long time.”
• “Nobody else wanted it.”

Or perhaps my favorite:

“Well… he happened to be in the bathroom when nominations opened.”

It’s funny because it’s true.

Unfortunately, what’s amusing at the group level becomes far less amusing when those same attitudes ripple through the entire General Service structure. The work entrusted to Alcoholics Anonymous today is too important to leave leadership to chance, convenience, or sentimentality.

Bill W. understood this better than anyone.

That’s why he devoted an entire article to the subject: “Leadership in A.A.: Ever a Vital Need.” The article eventually became the basis for Concept Nine of The Twelve Concepts for World Service.

His message could not be more timely.

Leadership Matters More Than We Sometimes Admit

For years, I misunderstood the phrase trusted servant. I unconsciously emphasized the word servant while almost ignoring the word trusted. Of course service requires humility. Of course we avoid prestige and authority for authority’s sake. But somewhere along the way, many of us began equating humility with lowering our expectations for leadership.

Bill never did.

He wrote:

“Good leadership cannot function well in a poorly designed structure. Weak leadership can hardly function at all, even in the best of structures.”

Notice what he didn’t say.

• He didn’t say leadership was optional.
• He didn’t say any warm body would do.
• He didn’t say spiritual principles somehow eliminate the need for competence.

Instead, he argued exactly the opposite. Healthy structures require capable leaders.

“We Must Choose the Right People”

Perhaps the most challenging sentence in Bill’s article is this:

“We must choose the right people for our many service tasks.”

That sentence ought to stop every election assembly in its tracks. Because it immediately forces another question:

Who are the right people?

Notice Bill doesn’t answer by talking about popularity.

• He doesn’t mention seniority.
• He doesn’t mention whose “turn” it is.
• He certainly doesn’t suggest filling positions simply because someone agreed to accept the nomination.

Instead, throughout the article, he paints a picture of the qualities genuine leadership requires.

What Does the “Right Person” Look Like?

The right trusted servant isn’t perfect. But they are growing.

• They’re dependable.
• They prepare.
• They show up.
• They listen before speaking.
• They’re teachable.
• They’re emotionally mature enough to disagree without becoming disagreeable.
• They’re able to separate personalities from principles.
• They’re willing to do difficult work long after the excitement of being elected has worn off.

Perhaps most importantly, they’re committed to the welfare of A.A. above their own ambitions. That’s the kind of leader Bill envisioned.

General Service isn’t simply attending meetings.

• It’s studying.
• Reading background material.
• Understanding the Conference Charter.
• Learning the Traditions.
• Understanding the Concepts.
• Communicating accurately.
• Representing groups fairly.
• Helping preserve A.A.’s unity while allowing healthy discussion.

That’s serious work.

Elections Are Spiritual Discernment

Too often we treat elections as administrative necessities. Bill saw them as acts of spiritual discernment.

Before raising our hands to vote, perhaps we should ask questions like these:

• Does this person consistently follow through on commitments?
• Do they demonstrate emotional stability under pressure?
• Are they willing to continue learning?
• Do they seek understanding before expressing opinions?
• Can they distinguish personal preference from A.A.’s common welfare?
• Have they demonstrated integrity over time?
• Do they inspire confidence because of how they live, not merely because of how they speak?

And perhaps the hardest question of all: Would I trust this person to protect Alcoholics Anonymous if I weren’t in the room? That’s a different standard than simply asking whether we like someone.

Before We Vote, We Should Look in the Mirror

Of course, elections aren’t only about evaluating others. Concept Nine quietly turns the spotlight back toward each of us. If I’m considering standing for service, I should ask myself:

• Am I prepared?
• Have I done the reading?
• Do I understand the responsibilities?
• Am I seeking this position to be useful—or to be recognized?
• Am I willing to put in the unseen hours that effective leadership requires?
• Can I receive criticism without becoming defensive?
• Can I change my mind when new information appears?
• Do I genuinely want what’s best for Alcoholics Anonymous, even if my own ideas aren’t chosen?

Those aren’t comfortable questions. They’re also exactly the kind of questions spiritually healthy leadership demands.

The Stakes Have Never Been Higher

Some might wonder whether any of this really matters. After all, isn’t A.A. protected by God? Absolutely. But throughout our history, God has worked through willing, responsible people.

Today’s General Service structure faces challenges Bill could scarcely have imagined.

• Digital communication spreads misinformation instantly.
• Legal issues have become increasingly complex.
• Public misunderstanding about A.A. continues.
• Our Fellowship spans cultures, languages, and generations.

The responsibility carried by our trusted servants has never been greater. That doesn’t mean we should become fearful. It means we should become intentional.

Beyond “It’s Her Turn”

I’ve heard well-meaning members say things like: “Everyone deserves a chance.” That’s true. Everyone deserves an opportunity to serve. But not every opportunity carries the same responsibility. General Service positions are not rewards for attendance.

• They’re not retirement gifts.
• They’re not consolation prizes.
• They’re responsibilities entrusted to people who have demonstrated both spiritual fitness and practical capability.

Bill never apologized for expecting excellence in service. Neither should we.

A Prayer Before Election Season

As another election season approaches across many districts and areas, perhaps our prayer should be simple:

“God, help me see beyond personalities. Help me look beyond friendships. Help me look beyond popularity. Give me the courage to vote for the person best equipped to serve Alcoholics Anonymous, even if it’s not the easiest choice.”

Because Bill was right. Leadership in A.A. is ever a vital need.

• Not leadership built on ego.
• Not leadership built on titles.
• Not leadership built on seniority alone.
• Leadership built on character, competence, humility, and vision.

If we truly believe General Service exists to preserve Alcoholics Anonymous for those who have not yet arrived, then perhaps no vote we cast deserves more prayerful consideration.

The alcoholic who walks through our doors twenty years from now may never know our names, but they will live with the consequences of the leaders we choose today.

In love & service,