Strong Enough to Ask for Help
Rethinking what strength looks like in leadership.
Growing up, a lot of us absorbed a fairly simple message about what it meant to be strong. Keep going. Don't complain. Figure it out yourself. And whatever you do, don't let anyone see you struggle.
For generations, that mindset shaped expectations of men, particularly in traditionally male-dominated industries. And while resilience and self-reliance can be valuable qualities, they have their limits.
Today is International Men's Day, an opportunity to recognize men's contributions while also talking about something that doesn't always get enough attention: well-being.
In mining, construction, engineering, and manufacturing, asking for help can sometimes feel like admitting weakness. But I'd argue the opposite.
It takes confidence to say, "I don't have all the answers." It takes courage to acknowledge when the pressure is getting to you. And it takes real leadership to create a workplace where others feel safe doing the same.
One of the most important things we can model for younger colleagues, employees, and our own children is that strength and vulnerability aren't opposites. They can exist together. Because being a strong leader doesn't mean carrying everything alone. Sometimes it means knowing when to put something down—and trusting someone else to help carry it.
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