Stepping into a lead driller role is a milestone many workers spend years working toward. It brings more responsibility, more decision-making, and often more pressure. According to drilling industry expert and educator Brock Yordy, success in the position comes down to something much simpler than technical expertise alone: continuing to grow.

Via Ask Brock (submit questions here), Yordy responded to a question from a newly promoted lead driller seeking advice on how to succeed in the role. His first message was straightforward.

"Keep doing what you're doing."

Yordy noted that people generally do not become lead drillers by accident. In some cases, a vacancy opens because someone else made poor decisions or unsafe choices. More often, however, the promotion is earned through consistent performance, sound judgment, and the trust of both management and coworkers.

"A company trusts you," Yordy said. "You've continued to make good choices, be a sound leader, inspire your team, and execute efficiently and safely."

That trust, he explained, should not be taken lightly.

One of the most important tools a lead driller can develop is confidence in their instincts. Yordy frequently speaks about the importance of a worker's "sixth sense" or "spidey sense" on the jobsite. While drilling operations rely heavily on planning, procedures, and technical knowledge, he believes workers should also pay attention when something simply does not feel right.

As responsibilities increase, Yordy said one challenge becomes especially important: keeping ego in check.

Promotion often creates opportunities for additional growth and leadership, but it can also create complacency if workers begin believing they have nothing left to learn.

"Check your ego," Yordy advised.

The fact that a newly promoted lead driller would seek advice in the first place, he said, is a positive sign. Curiosity and a willingness to improve are traits that help workers continue advancing throughout their careers.

His advice for a new lead driller is largely the same advice he gives new drillers entering the industry and experienced professionals looking to advance.

Continue learning.

Continue asking questions.

Continue developing professionally.

Continue challenging assumptions.

At its core, Yordy believes the drilling industry is about more than the work itself. Whether crews are providing access to groundwater, collecting subsurface information, or helping develop critical mineral resources, the projects matter. But they are not what ultimately define a person.

"What defines us is the people we develop," Yordy said.

The long hours, difficult conditions, and demanding schedules that come with drilling are part of the profession. What lasts longer, he argues, are the relationships built along the way and the opportunity to help the next generation of workers succeed.

For new lead drillers, that may be the most important responsibility of all. Yordy ended with an invitation that reflects his approach to leadership: keep growing and stay connected.