Sponsors underline the importance of principles above personalities. Sponsors avoid dwelling on personal problems, but share the Experience, Strength and Hope of personal recovery. Sponsors present the program simply. Sponsors lead by example, and a good sponsor does not expect the newcomer to do anything they themselves are not doing or have not done. Sponsors avoid talking about their own problems to those they sponsor.
Sponsors use their own sponsors.
Sponsors are good listeners. Sponsors give Al-Anon solutions. Sponsors emphasize gratitude and guides the newcomer in focusing on the good in their life. Sponsors teach newcomers that alcoholism is a family disease, and we are the only ones we can help. Sponsors help the newcomer to learn to let go of the other person and put the focus on themselves.