Under Dog or Top Dog?

Five years ago, I had a conversation with a head coach of a professional sports team. I asked him if he would rather be a team with a target on their back because they were a top dog or the team who was David and was trying to slay the goliath. His answer surprised me. He said, “give me the best players, and let’s be the top dog.” At the time, his team was in an underdog position and the mismatch of his desires with where the team was struck a chord with me. Was his preference for being a top dog getting in the way of the team embracing their underdog role? Was he seeking to be a top dog because he was sick of being an underdog? What got him to this point? How about me? How do I think about being an underdog or a top dog?

I have always resonated with the underdogs. You know, the undersized basketball player, or the slow linebacker, or the 16th seed in the NCAA tourney. I love underdogs. And while I have lived a life of tremendous privilege, I have always resonated more with the underdog than the top dog. And whether it’s true or not, I often consider myself an under dog in many situations. It sometimes helps me and sometimes hinders me. I am still figuring out how to ensure that it doesn’t get in the way of me getting where I want to go.

How about you? Which resonates more? Which situation do you prefer? How has it helped and/or hindered you? I’d love to get your thoughts.