Saint Peter's the Underdog

The NCAA basketball tournament is much-watch television every March. Even those who don’t have a rooting interest are compelled to spend four days watching each game because we all love a David-and-Goliath story. Everyone loves to root for a lower-seeded team without the financial resources to take down a blue-blood school. We can watch basketball every day in the winter on a multitude of channels. However, once ratings are attached to each team, the games take on a different meaning and our interests become intensified.

Our love affair with the David-and-Goliath story stems from our willingness to learn and understand the methods used by the underdog to take down a favorite. Was it luck or design? Did the underdog catch the champion off guard and overly confident? What was the secret sauce? We ask these questions in hopes of finding answers that can quickly offer us the same results. Understanding how David beat Goliath often comes from a leader’s unconventional approach and strategy.

Malcolm Gladwell’s best-selling book “David and Goliath” breaks down the battle between the two and provides us a simple question we must all ask before each contest. It applies to sports, business or any competitive setting:

“How can I fight this battle on my terms and neutralize my opponent’s advantage?”

David was unconventional in his approach, answering the question of thinking outside the traditional methods. Once he formulated his plan, he then devoted all his time mastering the areas required to fight the battle on his terms. Instead of trying to do everything well or adhering to traditional methods, David went all-in on practicing what he felt best gave him the chance for success. What often stops us from strategizing in an unconventional method is criticism. Because we are thinking outside the conventional comfort zone, we become an easy target to attack and be the burnt of jokes.

Saint Peter’s is this year’s David and has followed the path most Davids must endure. Under coach Shaheen Holloway, the Peacocks entering the tournament were first ignored, then laughed at as an opponent against the powerful Kentucky Wildcats. After beating the Wildcats, their next opponent, Murray State, wanted to create a fight. It wanted to make the game physical in hopes that Saint Peter’s would back down, but it never did. Then, after winning their second game and heading to the Sweet 16, Saint Peter’s became respected.

We can all beat Goliath — if we are willing to think differently and become proficient in the areas that help us win.