In Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), the last of the Twelve Traditions uses the phrase “Principles before personalities.” If you, like many other AA members, are stumped by what that means or how to apply it in your everyday life, keep reading.
What Does “Principles Before Personalities” Mean, and Where Does the Phrase Come From?
The phrase comes from the twelfth principle of AA, as outlined in the Twelve Traditions. It states: “Anonymity is the spiritual foundation of all our traditions, ever reminding us to place principles before personalities.”
It refers to the idea that the guiding principles of the program should take precedence over individual personalities or personal preferences. It emphasizes the importance of focusing on the principles and values that are central to recovery rather than getting caught up in personal conflicts, egos, or individual differences.
This principle, as a whole, highlights the significance of maintaining anonymity as a means to protect the unity and integrity of the fellowship. It encourages members to refrain from seeking personal recognition or acclaim, as well as respecting the anonymity of others to create an environment conducive to open sharing and recovery.
What are AA principles?
The Twelve Principles of Alcoholics Anonymous are a set of guiding values and concepts that form the foundation of the program. These principles are outlined in The Big Book and correlate with each of the organization’s 12 Steps.
Their purpose is to serve as a framework for recovery and personal growth. The principles of AA are:
- Honesty
- Hope
- Surrender
- Courage
- Integrity
- Willingness
- Humility
- Love
- Responsibility
- Discipline
- Awareness
- Service
Together, these principles provide a roadmap for recovery and personal transformation through self-reflection, moral growth, and the development of healthier relationships with oneself and others.
Examples of When ‘Principles Before Personalities’ Might Apply
The phrase can be applied to various situations both within and outside of the Alcoholics Anonymous community. Here are a few examples of when this saying would be helpful within the organization.
Group Unity: In AA group settings, individual conflicts or disagreements may arise. “Principles before personalities” reminds members to focus on the common purpose of recovery and adhere to the principles of honesty, humility, and willingness rather than allowing personal conflicts to disrupt the group’s unity.
Service Work: AA encourages its members to work to support the fellowship and help others in recovery. The phrase reminds individuals to carry out their service work without seeking personal recognition or power but rather to prioritize the principles of the program in their actions and share the community with others.
Public Outreach: When representing AA to the public, the principal reminds members to emphasize the principles of the program rather than focusing on individual stories or personal achievements. By doing so, the focus remains on the message of recovery rather than on personal identities.
Sponsorship: In the sponsor-sponsee relationship, this phrase reminds both parties to prioritize the principles of the program over personal preferences or biases. Sponsors should guide their sponsees based on the principles and steps of AA rather than imposing their personal beliefs or agendas.
This phrase is just as helpful when it comes to dealing with the ‘outside world’ too!
Workplace Environment: Professional settings are not immune to conflict either. Prioritizing principles over personalities means focusing on the core values and ethical standards of the organization rather than personal differences or conflicts. It encourages individuals to find common ground and work towards the greater goals of the company or team.
Political Discourse: Political discussions and debates can quickly become heated. The phrase reminds participants to focus on the principles and values underlying their positions rather than attacking or belittling each other. By engaging in respectful and principled discourse, individuals can foster constructive dialogue and find common ground for effective problem-solving.
Community Organizations: When involved in community organizations or volunteer work, individuals may encounter differences in opinions, personal styles, or approaches. By emphasizing principles over personalities, the focus remains on the organization’s mission and goals, allowing individuals to work together effectively and create positive change.
Managing Relationships: Family dynamics can be tricky to navigate due to differences in personalities, opinions, or lifestyles. Prioritizing principles means focusing on shared values such as love, respect, and understanding and finding ways to navigate differences while maintaining healthy relationships.
It encourages individuals to set aside personal grievances for the sake of maintaining unity and harmony and being willing to forgo protecting personal egos over temporary conflicts. By focusing on shared values and principles, relationships can be strengthened, and conflicts can be resolved more effectively.
Join An AA Community Today
Want to learn more about the Twelve Principles of AA or other Alcoholics Anonymous texts? Find your local AA chapter today.
