Most famously associated with the Australian and New Zealand cultures, Tall Poppy Syndrome is a tendency to criticize, undermine or resent achievements that make individuals stand out.
If you’ve ever excelled at work, only to have your coworkers or even your seniors downplay your success, discourage you from striving harder or offer minimal praise, you may have experienced something deeper than simple indifference. It can feel even worse when they actively undermine your efforts to aim higher or criticize you for presenting innovative ideas, no matter how solid they are.
This behaviour reflects a phenomenon known as “Tall Poppy Syndrome” (TPS)—a tendency to criticize, undermine or resent those who achieve notable success, particularly when their achievements make them stand out.
The term originates from the metaphor of cutting down the tallest poppy in a field to make it level with the others, symbolizing the societal impulse to bring high achievers “back down to earth” for the sake of equality.
While this syndrome is most famously associated with cultures like Australia and New Zealand, it is a global phenomenon expressed through different cultural sayings and behaviours:
- Japan: “The nail that sticks up gets hammered down.”
- The Netherlands: “Don’t put your head above ground level.”
- Chile: “Chaquetear,” which translates to “pull the jacket,” meaning to hold someone back.
- Scandinavia: The “Law of Jante,” which discourages standing out and emphasizes humility.
Roman historian Livy cited a story about King Tarquin the Proud of ancient Rome which is said to be the origin of the phrase “Tall Poppy Syndrome.” When the King’s son, Sextus, asked for advice on how to infiltrate a neighbouring city, Tarquin cut the heads 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 story symbolizes how those who stand out or succeed are often targeted or brought down to stifle their success.
Ultimately, while tall poppy syndrome may be rooted in cultural traditions, its effects can be felt by anyone who dares to strive for more, making it a universal challenge worth addressing.
Here are three signs that you’re on the receiving end of tall poppy syndrome in its modern-day breeding ground—the workplace.
1. People criticize you for being ‘too ambitious’
In cultures that value modesty, humility and egalitarianism, individuals who stand out may face social disapproval for being perceived as “too ambitious” or “trying too hard.”
Individuals who rise above the group may also be seen as a threat to group harmony. This can lead to efforts to bring them “back in line.” Perpetrators may even back their behaviour with dismissive statements like “she was too arrogant, so she had it coming.”
Tall poppy syndrome often stems from a place of fear or insecurity. It’s a reflection of people’s perception of themselves. They often show displeasure when others achieve more than them, as it triggers feelings of inadequacy. This leads to defensive behaviours on their part, such as criticism or exclusion.
This is especially true for women who face discrimination due to their success. Research on tall poppy syndrome in high-performance school-age athletes showed instances of bullying towards girls, which also worsened their school life and well-being.
Historically, group cohesion was essential for survival. Individuals who disrupted this harmony—by standing out or appearing dominant—were often ostracized. This instinct persists in modern social behaviours, contributing to tall poppy syndrome. Consequently, victims of tall poppy syndrome often suffer from low self-esteem and struggle to fit in due to their status as outliers.
2. You face workplace hostility
In some workplaces, high-achievers may be left out of key discussions, fun activities and promotions by seniors and colleagues. Some managers may also prefer to keep high-performing employees in their current roles rather than promote them, fearing that their departure would create a vacuum in productivity.
But, such behaviour is detrimental to workplace productivity as it may lead to a rise in employees’ resentment and a fall in business growth. High achievers may experience anxiety, self-doubt and a reluctance to share their accomplishments. They may feel deeply unfulfilled at their place of work and hide their true potential.
Research on Caucasian women in the Midwest shows that women in the workplace often face envious and negative communication from other women who wish to undermine their success. Instead of rewarding success, such workplaces tend to discourage it, alienating their “tall poppies.”
3. You feel reluctant to create meaningful content
People in the art and music industries may hesitate to create content due to a fear of being ridiculed. A broader cultural impact of tall poppy syndrome is its connection to “cultural cringe,” where some Australians, for instance, may undervalue local achievements, art or innovation, instead favouring successes from abroad. This reluctance to celebrate homegrown accomplishments arises from a collective hesitation to fully embrace success within one’s own community.
In fact, a lot of communities, such as those in developing economies, tend to look abroad for “better” music or movies, ignoring fledgling local talent. Young people may love the popular group BTS, for instance, while ignoring up-and-coming local pop musicians who emulate similar styles, calling it “cringe.”
This dynamic has far-reaching consequences for creative and ambitious individuals, particularly in creative fields and entrepreneurship. Talented people may feel discouraged from pursuing their passions or showcasing their achievements, fearing backlash or a lack of support from their community. Over time, this stifling of local talent creates a self-perpetuating cycle—overlook innovative pursuits in your own community and seek validation overseas.
Ultimately, this not only impacts individuals but also limits a community’s potential to nurture and celebrate its own achievements, undermining collective growth and cultural pride.
How to push back against Tall Poppy Syndrome
If you’re on the receiving end of TPS, here’s how to protect yourself and thrive:
- Acknowledge it’s not your fault. Recognize that TPS reflects others’ insecurities, not your value or worth.
- Find supportive environments. Seek workplaces and communities that celebrate and reward success rather than undermine it.
- Build resilience: Focus on internal validation instead of external approval. Practice self-care and develop a strong support network of like-minded individuals who encourage your growth.
- Adopt a growth mindset: Shift the narrative by celebrating the success of others and leading by example. Encourage a workplace culture where achievements are viewed as collective wins, not threats.
- Consider moving on: If a workplace or social environment is persistently discouraging, don’t hesitate to explore opportunities elsewhere. There are organizations that value and nurture high achievers.
Lastly, always try to surround yourself with people who celebrate your success and encourage you to fly high. Not every place or group will support your growth, and that’s okay.
Overcoming Tall Poppy Syndrome requires a mindset shift—both personally and societally—toward celebrating success as a source of inspiration rather than resentment. If you believe your contributions benefit both yourself and others, whether for personal growth or societal good, you have nothing to lose by standing tall.
This story was originally published on forbes.com and all figures are in USD.
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