Tall Poppy Syndrome

What is Tall Poppy Syndrome and how can we avoid it?

The term Tall Poppy Syndrome originates from ancient Rome, where a king named Tarquin the Proud advised his son to behead all the most powerful men during his reign. The metaphor behind this advice was simple: cut down the tallest poppies in the field. The "tall poppies" were those who stood out due to their success or greatness, and Tarquin’s strategy was to ensure that no one surpassed his power. Over time, this notion has evolved to reflect a modern-day social phenomenon that occurs when high achievers are resented or undermined because they stand out from the crowd.

What Is Tall Poppy Syndrome Today?

In today’s world, Tall Poppy Syndrome describes a situation in which individuals who excel or shine in a particular area are targeted or belittled for their success. This phenomenon can occur in many social settings: within families, communities, and, most commonly, in the workplace.

In the workplace, Tall Poppy Syndrome typically arises when an employee goes above and beyond their duties, excelling in their role or achieving impressive results. Instead of being celebrated, they may become a threat to their colleagues, who feel overshadowed by the high achiever’s success. This can lead to behaviors such as undermining, discrediting, or isolating the individual. In some cases, their accomplishments may be dismissed, or even worse, the person is actively targeted and made to feel like an outsider. Many people experience this but may not even recognize what’s happening or understand why they’re suddenly being treated differently.

The Psychological Impact of Tall Poppy Syndrome in the Workplace

In any work environment, competitiveness is inevitable. It shifts the dynamics of the team and can either drive the group to perform better or cause friction. However, when high achievers are viewed with jealousy or resentment rather than admiration, the team dynamics can suffer. When a new team member brings fresh ideas or suggests alternative methods, they may be labeled as "trying to change things" or disrupting "how we’ve always done it." The impact of this can be detrimental to both the individual and the company.

The true danger of Tall Poppy Syndrome in a workplace setting is that it stifles innovation and progress. New ideas are often crushed, and overachievers are either forced into submission or are made to feel unimportant. This can create a toxic atmosphere where mediocrity is accepted, and excellence is punished.

As a company leader or owner, it is crucial to recognize and support the "tall poppies" within your organization. These high achievers can bring valuable insights, creativity, and knowledge that can lead to significant progress and positive change. Instead of cutting them down, you should encourage them to continue growing and help them share their knowledge with the team. Let’s strive to reach for the tall poppies, not cut them down to join the crowd.

How to Avoid Tall Poppy Syndrome in Your Workplace

Avoiding Tall Poppy Syndrome is not easy, as it is human nature to feel frustrated or threatened when someone outshines the rest. However, there are steps that both leaders and team members can take to mitigate its effects and create a more inclusive, positive work environment.

1. Embrace Humility and Collaboration

If you are the "tall poppy," approach your knowledge and success with humility. Instead of bragging about your achievements, be open and willing to share your insights with your team. Offer support and guidance to your colleagues, especially those who may be struggling or feeling left behind. By making your success about the team’s collective growth, you foster a collaborative environment.

2. Listen and Be Open to New Ideas

In any organization, leadership should always be willing to listen to new ideas, no matter where they come from. Encourage open discussions and be receptive to innovative proposals. When a new idea is presented, don’t automatically dismiss it because it’s different from how things have always been done. By experimenting with new approaches, you encourage creativity and progress within your team.

3. Recognize and Reward High Performers

High achievers need to be recognized for their efforts. Instead of resenting their success, leaders should celebrate it and use it as an opportunity to motivate the rest of the team. Offering rewards or praise for exceptional work fosters a healthy competitive atmosphere, where the focus is on personal growth and team success rather than on tearing each other down.

4. Cultivate a Growth-Oriented Environment

For a team to thrive, it must have an environment that promotes growth, learning, and support. Encourage all team members to push their limits and celebrate the achievements of those who step outside of their comfort zones. By cultivating an atmosphere that values progress and development, Tall Poppy Syndrome can be minimized.