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How to Succeed as an Underdog

So you think being an underdog is a downside? Sorry, but we kindly ask you to differ.

Contents1. Look for every opportunity to prove yourself. Play your cards right3. Offer your innovative ideas4. Don't be afraid to take risks. Strike while the iron is hot

Despite the negative connotation of this word, there is something special about being an underdog. Being someone who isn't seen as a competition actually takes away the extra pressure and anxiety that comes with being a "top dog".

Contrary to popular belief, being an outsider can prove beneficial in the workplace. Working with people who are much more qualified or experienced than you implicitly forces you to work harder and prepares you more to advance in the competition. What you need to do is channel your energies into increasing your professional visibility and gaining the trust of your boss.

Here's how:

1. Look for every opportunity to prove yourself

How to Succeed as an Underdog

Underdog employees are often seen as the least preferred candidates for an important job. But this is an opportunity to reverse the situation on the competition and position yourself on an equal footing.

Let's say you're an employee working in an organization and you've just heard about a recent internal vacancy that requires a lot of negotiation with male clients. Although you may shy away from such a job, it is actually a chance to prove your mettle as an employee.

Instead of letting a male counterpart grab this job, you should be the first to say yes to him. Use the interview part as your chance to convince your boss (especially when he's a man) that you're the right candidate for the job.

To win over your boss, you need to come across as a confident, well-rounded woman who can be as good (or better) than her male counterpart for the job.

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2. Play your cards right

An underdog is a dark horse that only shows its true colors when the time is right. Much like a champion, he only acts when the team desperately needs his support. Likewise, you can present yourself as a potential candidate for a job if there is something that requires your skills or experience.

For example, if your manager is looking for a helping hand with a project that requires intense mental work, you can help by offering your sharp thinking skills. So, if you are able to complete the project, you will be able to earn a place in your boss's good books and he will definitely consider you for a management position that requires such skills.

3. Offer your innovative ideas

Outsiders are known for their imaginative talent. They are slaves to their creative ideas which protect them from the embarrassment of being an outsider. For employers, an outsider can be an asset rather than a liability. They are mentally trained enough to come up with innovative solutions to everyday problems in their work that could be of great help to any employer.

Since you are blessed with the art of creative thinking, which is rare in the workplace, you may stand out as the best candidate for a project or job that requires frequent use of creative muscles. . Knowing that you can help your employer with your original ideas, you must demonstrate this particular quality in a one-on-one meeting with your boss.

See also:5 Reasons Dreamers Can Be Leaders

4. Don't be afraid to take risks

Outsiders are those types of employees who tend to take risks where others are not comfortable. Being an underdog relieves you of the burden, so you don't have to feel any pressure because you have nothing to lose even if you fail. This works in your favor because you can even complete those challenges that others might be hesitant to take on.

For example, if you are a junior employee in a research and development department of a technology company and you get a temporary job opportunity to lead a project, you might not be as confident to take on the role. P>

If you think wisely, there is nothing to lose even if you fail. But if you succeed, you'll earn your boss's trust, and he'll be happy to make you a standing authority on projects.

5. Strike while the iron is hot

So you've completed a few projects, saved your manager from the ordeal of a difficult task, and now you want to recognize your work.

Once you're on your boss's good books, it's time to move from underachievers to overachievers. After proving your abilities and skills for your job, you now need to have a serious discussion with senior management.

You can ask for a promotion, a raise, or whatever you deserve for your recently acquired skills, experiences, and accomplishments. Just make sure you are ready for the meeting so that you can effectively promote your initiatives that resulted in the benefit of the organization.

Being an outsider is a blessing in disguise. It's just that you need to identify the scenarios in which you can use this blessing in your favor and work your way to the list of successes.