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Speaking Truth to Power

[fa icon="calendar"] Jul 9, 2024 11:27:48 AM / by Maj Donovan

Speaking Truth to Power

In the corporate world there is a phrase that is often used when it comes to bringing “bad news” to management.  It is called, “Speaking Truth to Power.” It is a behavior that is expected of all corporate officers. It is the idea that management and senior executives can sometimes be oblivious, for a variety of reasons, to problems within the organization. Thus, it is the moral and ethical obligation of the juniors, subordinates, and peers of the organization to speak up and say something if they believe there is a serious problem within the organization. It is a sound philosophy and one that is grounded in the principle of acting for and on behalf of the greater good. This philosophy and behavior is also a sound principle of recovery.  

The main reason people give for not speaking up is fear. They fear retaliation or fear that their idea or opinion will be ridiculed or not valued. These fears are real and as a recovery community it is imperative that we create an environment where it is safe and OK to speak up and offer an opinion that might be different or in the minority. Afterall, if we are all sitting around the table thinking the same thing, someone isn’t thinking. Bad news never gets better with age, and it is important to foster a recovery environment where problems are addressed in a timely fashion without the fear of reprisal. 

Secrets keep us sick and the disease flourishes in the darkness of lies and deceit.  Honesty and truthfulness are the flashlights that can dispel the darkness. Do I have the courage of my convictions to “say something if I see something?” Do I have the courage to “speak truth to power?” 

 

Topics: Alcoholics Anonymous, Recovery, AA meetings, Recovery Program, Support Group

Maj Donovan

Written by Maj Donovan

Maj Donovan is a person in long-term recovery with over four decades of sobriety. He is an author, blogger, lecturer and teaches a monthly workshop at “The Retreat” on the 12 Steps and Sponsorship.

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