November 9
Enough to Understand
Someone asks why a service decision was made, and we answer with the result again, a little more firmly. The meeting time changed. The money was allocated. The matter was discussed. All true, perhaps, but none of it tells the questioner what considerations led there. Being expected to support a decision we cannot understand can make even a reasonable outcome feel imposed.
Explaining our reasoning gives others a chance to participate intelligently. It may also expose something we overlooked, which can be one reason we prefer a short announcement. There are confidences we should protect and details nobody needs. Within those limits, enough explanation can show respect for the people affected. We do not have to convince every listener that our judgment was perfect. We can let them see how we arrived at it and remain available for a question we did not anticipate.
Where would a little explanation help someone share a responsibility more freely?
People can work with reasons they are allowed to hear.
For the A.A. nerds: Twelve Concepts for World Service, Concept IX.