In 2026, let’s rightsize our expectations–of ourselves and one another
By: Rebecca Hutton, President & CEO, Leadership Indianapolis
As 2025 nears its end, many of us are reflecting on the past twelve months and setting intentions for the new year. While that is largely due to the flipping of the calendar, it is also because this time of year, for many people, is the only time that things slow down enough to be able to reflect more deeply.
As I think about 2025, I am really proud of the work we have done at Leadership Indianapolis. We moved our office to the historic Riverside Regional Park. We supported a record number of nonprofit organizations at our Get on Board event in its 23rd year. We saw numerous graduates of our programs lead the community in profound ways. Yet even with all the work we have done, if I am completely honest, I have also carried with me a growing sense of concern.
I am privileged to work with leaders from a variety of industries, sectors, backgrounds and stages in their careers. Two observations I have at the conclusion of 2025: There are so many incredible leaders in Indiana doing really great work – and many of those leaders are completely exhausted. Not the kind of exhaustion that can be resolved with a few days off but the kind of exhaustion that has them questioning if they can continue. That is a big problem for our civic institutions, our businesses, our communities and our state.
More times than I can count over the past year, I stood in a quiet corner of a large event listening to a truly impressive leader share that their current situation is unsustainable. I have sipped on coffee while sitting across small tables from leaders who are deeply passionate about the work they are doing, as they whispered that they are having health issues because of their workload and the stress that comes with it. I have had long phone calls with leaders who were contemplating changing their professional path because the hours required to do their work required them to repeatedly miss significant family events. I have said good morning to people at a breakfast event at 7:30 am only to say goodbye to them at 10 pm that same day as an evening event was concluding.
As I hear from so many folks who feel defeated by not being able to meet expectations that they are desperately trying to surpass, I can’t help but notice that this is a wide-spread issue that will have a devastating impact on our community if we don’t collectively make an adjustment.
Many organizations are existing in a constant state of uncertainty, whether from the lingering pressures of returning to pre-pandemic levels or from dealing with dramatic and abrupt shifts in funding this past year. As a result, leaders are burning out more quickly, more frequently and more permanently.
We often publicly praise grit, perseverance, and resilience in leaders. But, as I look back on 2025, it feels that we have become over reliant on those behaviors. It is time to rightsize our expectations, of ourselves and of others.
In 2026, when we talk about talent attraction, we need to continue asking if Indiana is a place where people want to live. We also need to start asking if people can be successful here and still have time to enjoy the communities we are working so hard to build.
In 2026, when we talk about workforce development, in addition to asking how we will fill the pipeline, we need to ask if that pipeline leads to a better quality of life, in more ways than just financially.
In 2026, when we think about adding one more thing to our plate, in addition to asking ourselves whether we can do it, we need to ask ourselves whether we can do it well…and at what cost.
One year from today, when we are reflecting on 2026, let’s celebrate the good work that has been done, not just our ability to survive it.
Read more Perspectives from Leadership Indianapolis President & CEO Rebecca Hutton and other leaders at Inside INdiana Business. 
