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I'm originally from Tennessee, but I've lived most of my life in Florida. However, I still like to revisit leaders from my home state. I was recently listening to the "You Might be Right" podcast published by the University of Tennessee Baker School of Public Policy, which is named after Howard Baker, Jr.
Howard Baker was not only a United States Senator representing Tennessee, but he also served as Chief of Staff to President Reagan and Ambassador to Japan. He was known in Washington as a conciliator. In a 1998 speech to the Senate, Baker shared his “Baker’s Dozen on Leadership.” I thought I would use his thirteen points and generalize them as a guide for our time as we start 2026.
Understanding the Limits of Power Effective leadership is rarely based on formal authority alone. Most influence relies on the ability to set priorities and then influence others to rally around the purpose and principles that support them.
Respect Diverse Perspectives Treat everyone as unique individuals with their own ambitions and fears. No one is going to follow a leader blindly. Even those that oppose your priorities may be open to persuasion.
Consult Broadly and Frequently Engage as many stakeholders as possible on as many issues as possible. Never limit your circle of advisors to just other leaders. There is insight to be found at all levels of an organization or movement.
Prioritize Human Sustainability Acknowledge that colleagues have lives and families outside of work. Work-life balance should be a priority.
Empower Your Experts Surround yourself with a high-quality team to help work through complex information.
Listen More Than You Speak Effective leaders value silence. Avoid the temptation to dominate every conversation. Allow yourself the luxury of the unexpressed thought to better absorb the dynamic of a room (or a Zoom call).
Monitor Your Support Constantly Keep track of those that support and distract from your goals. Never assume past loyalty will equal current or future support.
Collaborate with External Partners History favors those who choose to function as part of a team rather than those who seek isolated dominance.
Respect Interdependence Value other departments of your organization. Very little of what a leader does is final without the support of others.
Eliminate Surprises Commit to keeping colleagues, even rivals, fully informed. Disagree on priorities but agree on the process of keeping each other informed.
Guard Your Integrity Above All Tell the truth regardless of whether it is required. A leader’s word is their only currency. Always deliver bad news immediately rather than letting it fester.
Exercise Patience and Persistence Some goals take time to achieve. Persistence is often more important than immediate victory.
Foster a Culture of Civility Maintain professional decorum and encourage others to do the same. Leadership requires rising above the temptation to cause chaos.
Sources:
Leader's Lecture Series Howard Baker Address
I'm originally from Tennessee, but I've lived most of my life in Florida. However, I still like to revisit leaders from my home state. I was recently listening to the "You Might be Right" podcast published by the University of Tennessee Baker School of Public Policy, which is named after Howard Baker, Jr.
Howard Baker was not only a United States Senator representing Tennessee, but he also served as Chief of Staff to President Reagan and Ambassador to Japan. He was known in Washington as a conciliator. In a 1998 speech to the Senate, Baker shared his “Baker’s Dozen on Leadership.” I thought I would use his thirteen points and generalize them as a guide for our time as we start 2026.
Understanding the Limits of Power Effective leadership is rarely based on formal authority alone. Most influence relies on the ability to set priorities and then influence others to rally around the purpose and principles that support them.
Respect Diverse Perspectives Treat everyone as unique individuals with their own ambitions and fears. No one is going to follow a leader blindly. Even those that oppose your priorities may be open to persuasion.
Consult Broadly and Frequently Engage as many stakeholders as possible on as many issues as possible. Never limit your circle of advisors to just other leaders. There is insight to be found at all levels of an organization or movement.
Prioritize Human Sustainability Acknowledge that colleagues have lives and families outside of work. Work-life balance should be a priority.
Empower Your Experts Surround yourself with a high-quality team to help work through complex information.
Listen More Than You Speak Effective leaders value silence. Avoid the temptation to dominate every conversation. Allow yourself the luxury of the unexpressed thought to better absorb the dynamic of a room (or a Zoom call).
Monitor Your Support Constantly Keep track of those that support and distract from your goals. Never assume past loyalty will equal current or future support.
Collaborate with External Partners History favors those who choose to function as part of a team rather than those who seek isolated dominance.
Respect Interdependence Value other departments of your organization. Very little of what a leader does is final without the support of others.
Eliminate Surprises Commit to keeping colleagues, even rivals, fully informed. Disagree on priorities but agree on the process of keeping each other informed.
Guard Your Integrity Above All Tell the truth regardless of whether it is required. A leader’s word is their only currency. Always deliver bad news immediately rather than letting it fester.
Exercise Patience and Persistence Some goals take time to achieve. Persistence is often more important than immediate victory.
Foster a Culture of Civility Maintain professional decorum and encourage others to do the same. Leadership requires rising above the temptation to cause chaos.
Sources:
Leader's Lecture Series Howard Baker Address
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