Indications of Squabbling over 'Tall Poppy Syndrome'—As Observed by a Psychiatrist
If you've ever shone at work only to have your colleagues or superiors diminish your achievements, discourage you from pushing harder or offer minimal recognition, you might be experiencing something more than simple indifference. It can sting when they actively sabotage your attempts to reach for greater heights or criticize you for presenting revolutionary concepts, no matter how strong they are.
This behavior mirrors a widespread phenomenon known as "Tall Poppy Syndrome" (TPS)—an inclination to criticize, sabotage or resent those who attain significant success, especially when their achievements make them stand out.
The term derives from the imagery of chopping down the tallest poppy in a field to match it with the others, symbolizing society's urge to bring high achievers "back down to earth" in the name of equivalence.
Although most famously linked with cultures like Australia and New Zealand, this syndrome is a global phenomenon manifesting through various cultural expressions and behaviors:
- Japan: "The nail that sticks up gets hammered down."
- The Netherlands: "Don’t put your head above ground level."
- Chile: "Chaquetear," which means "hold someone back."
- Scandinavia: The "Law of Jante," which discourages standing out and emphasizes humility.
The Roman historian Livy cited a tale about King Tarquin the Proud of ancient Rome, which is believed to be the genesis of the phrase "Tall Poppy Syndrome." When King Tarquin's son, Sextus, sought advice on infiltrating a neighboring city, Tarquin chopped off the tallest poppies in his garden. Sextus interpreted this as a message to eliminate the leading aristocrats of the city, which he did, allowing Rome to conquer it easily.
The tale represents how those who stand out or succeed are often targeted or brought down to suppress their success.
In essence, while tall poppy syndrome may stem from cultural traditions, its effects can impact anyone who dares to strive for more, making it a universal challenge that merits attention.
Here are three signs that you're experiencing tall poppy syndrome in its contemporary breeding ground—the workplace.
1. People Laminate You for Being 'Too Ambitious'
In societies that prioritize modesty, humility and egalitarianism, individuals who rise above the group might face societal disapproval for being labeled as "too ambitious" or "trying too hard."
Those who rise above the pack may also be perceived as a threat to group unity. This can lead to attempts to bring them "in line." Detractors might even justify their behavior with derogatory remarks like "she was too arrogant, so she had it coming."
Tall poppy syndrome often stems from fear or insecurity. It's a reflection of people's perception of themselves. They frequently express disapproval when others surpass them, triggering feelings of inadequacy. This leads to retaliatory behaviors such as criticism or exclusion.
This is particularly evident in women who encounter discrimination due to their success. Research on tall poppy syndrome in high-performance school-age athletes revealed incidents of bullying towards girls, which further deteriorated their school life and well-being.
Historically, group cohesion was crucial for survival. Individuals who disrupted this harmony—by standing out or appearing dominant—were often ostracized. This impulse persists in modern social behaviors, fueling tall poppy syndrome. Consequently, victims of tall poppy syndrome often struggle with low self-esteem and have difficulty integrating due to their status as outsiders.
2. You Encounter Workplace Hostility
In some workplaces, high-achievers may be excluded from crucial discussions, enjoyable activities and promotions by seniors and colleagues. Some managers might even prefer to keep high-performing employees in their current positions rather than promote them, fearing that their departure would create a productivity void.
However, such behavior is detrimental to workplace productivity as it may foster resentment among employees and hinder business growth. High achievers might experience anxiety, self-doubt, and a reluctance to share their accomplishments. They might feel deeply unfulfilled at their workplace and hesitate to reveal their full potential.
Research on Caucasian women in the Midwest showed that women in the workplace often face envious and negative communication from other women who aim to sabotage their success. Instead of celebrating success, such workplaces tend to discourage it, alienating their "tall poppies."
3. You Feel Reticent to Create Meaningful Content
People in the art and music industries might hesitate to create content due to a fear of being made fun of. A broader cultural impact of tall poppy syndrome is its connection to "cultural cringe," where some Australians, for example, might undervalue local achievements, art, or innovation, instead favoring success from abroad. This reluctance to celebrate homegrown accomplishments arises from a collective reluctance to fully embrace success within one's own community.
In fact, many communities, such as those in developing economies, tend to turn to "better" music or movies from abroad, overlooking fledgling local talent. Young people might adore the popular group BTS, while ignoring rising local pop music stars who imitate similar genres, dismissing it as "cringe."
This dynamic has far-reaching consequences for creative and ambitious individuals, particularly in artistic fields and entrepreneurship. Talented people may feel deterred from pursuing their passions or showcasing their achievements, fearing backlash or a lack of support from their community. Over time, this suppression of local talent creates a self-perpetuating cycle—overlook innovative endeavors in your own community and seek validation overseas.
Ultimately, this situation affects more than just the individual, limiting a community's capacity to foster and honor its own accomplishments, leading to a weakening of collective advancement and cultural pride.
How to Counteract the Tall Poppy Syndrome
If you're on the receiving end of TPS, here's how to protect yourself and flourish:
- Accept it's not your fault. Understand that TPS stems from others' insecurities, not reflecting on your worth or value.
- Prefer encouraging environments. Look for workplaces and communities that praise and incentivize success rather than sabotage it.
- Strengthen your resilience: Emphasize self-affirmation over external validation. Cultivate self-care and create a strong support network full of individuals with similar aspirations who back your progression.
- Mindset transformation: Alter the dialogue by commending others' achievements and leading by example. Foster a working environment where achievements are deemed shared triumphs, not threats.
- Consider switching places. If a workplace or social setting incessantly discourages, don't hesitate to investigate possibilities elsewhere. There are organizations that cherish and cultivate high achievers.
Finally, always strive to surround yourself with people who applaud your triumphs and urge you to soar high. Not every environment or group will support your growth, and that's alright.
Conquering Tall Poppy Syndrome necessitates a mental transformation—both personally and societally—toward celebrating success as a source of motivation instead of grudge. If you trust that your contributions profit both yourself and others, regardless of personal or societal gains, you have nothing to lose by standing tall.
Do you feel empowered to voice your thoughts and innovate at work? Take this science-backed test to ascertain: Psychological Safety Scale
- This behavior of criticizing and sabotaging high achievers can be seen as a manifestation of the 'growth mindset' being threatened, leading to 'workplace gaslighting'.
- Despite being associated with cultures like Australia and New Zealand, 'tall poppy syndrome' is a global issue, with variations in different societies such as Japan, the Netherlands, Chile, and Scandinavia.
- Women, particularly Caucasian women, often face 'jealousy' and 'social exclusion' due to their success in the workplace, which can negatively impact their confidence and career growth.
- BTS, a popular K-pop group, has faced 'criticism' and 'slots filled by others' in the music industry, which can hinder the growth of local talent and limit the cultural pride in developing economies.
- To counteract 'tall poppy syndrome', individuals can foster a support system, choose encouraging environments, transform the dialogue towards celebrating others' achievements, and consider switching places if needed, to foster a growth mindset in themselves and others.
