Low Man on the Totem Pole; For Men Only

Are you the underdog at work? https://www.menshealth.com

It is a proven fact that if an underdog thinks he has something to prove, he will work harder than the man on top. So get an attitude and make it work for you not against you. There is an old saying, “it is the hungry dog the works the hardest.”

Intimidation can work for you

The top dog may not see you as a competitor; therefore, giving you an advantage. So use intimidation as a weapon and become the competitor you are. This will make you look more immovable than you really are. Do something the top dog would never suspect; play by your rules: for example, call a client on Saturday instead of waiting until Monday. You have the edge over the Mr. Top dog. You are also playing outside the man’s comfort zone.

Never admit defeat

You are not beaten unless you say you are. One approach did not work? Just change the playing field a bit, but stay aggressive; therefore, you keep the opponent reacting to you instead of it being the other way around.

Whether we like it or not everyone at one time or another are underdogs. It does not matter if we are the new “kid” on the block or starting our own business at your kitchen table. We still have to prove ourselves. It is like a basketball or football game. Look at President Obama, in 2008 he had the biggest upset in that campaign; however, he has made some very costly mistakes. Look around you, who do you know that has been an underdog, but sadly has chosen to stay the underdog their entire career. The question you have to ask yourself is: “do I want to make the same mistake?” There is nothing wrong with being the underdog if you are happy where you are. However, if that is not making you happy, then you have to become aggressive to get on top. Another words, you have to play hard ball to get where you want to be. Do not play hard ball enough to step on the wrong toes. That could be costly to your own career.