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Today’s Pillar: Temper the Mind

What Is This?

If you are from a Commonwealth nation, this term likely needs no introduction. However, for Anglophones outside of the Commonwealth (basically the United States), or for those unaware of the term, it is, as described by Grace at Tall Poppy Talk, “a perceived tendency to discredit or disparage those who have achieved notable feats, contributed to extraordinary moments, or achieved prominence in public life. aka ‘cutting down the tall poppy.’” The Tallest Poppy™ from Women of Influence (Please see the PDFs of their studies at the link above) has an excellent succinct definition as well, “Tall Poppy Syndrome occurs when people are attacked, resented, disliked, criticized or cut down because of their achievements and/or success.” You most likely have seen or experienced this phenomenon but probably didn’t know there was a dedicated term for it.

Simply put, when a poppy (individual) grows taller (more successful) than the rest, it gets cut down to size.

Where Does It Come From?

In my first post for Oppstartr, I highlighted the dangerous belief that success is a zero-sum game. I believe Tall Poppy Syndrome primarily originates from this mindset, especially in areas where success is a coveted quality. In both the 2018 and 2023 studies from The Tallest Poppy™, they listed jealousy as the top driver of the behavior. There is a cultural element as well. It is more common in Commonwealth countries, where egalitarianism is held in higher regard than in other countries. American society tends to favor individualism and achievement, and that is probably why it is not a household term in America.

The Two Forms

Maligning Others

The most common form of the term is when an individual is maligned by someone else for their success. The successful individual gets “cut” or pulled back down to where they started, to the critic’s level, or back to the average (whatever that means). We have all seen this behavior, whether it was directed toward us, directed toward others, or worse, we directed it toward someone else. This behavior, per the 2023 The Tallest Poppy™ study, can be subtle or direct, such as "downplaying success" or "being left out/ignored."

Hindering Ourselves

Though not the general use of the term, we can hold ourselves back from success out of fear of how we will be perceived. It might stem from a belief that overachieving could make others uncomfortable, a desire not to impose, or fear of ostracization. While avoiding boastfulness should be prioritized, we should not restrain our successes based on perceptions.

Why It's Detrimental

What It Does to Others

First, it’s mean. We should not malign anyone let alone someone who hasn’t done anything to us. This one is fairly obvious – at least it should be. When people are constantly attacked they will seek shelter and stop attracting the vitriol and thus they won’t seek opportunities. Almost 50% of the respondents in the 2018 The Tallest Poppy™ study said their desire to seek promotions was impacted. The emotional and mental tolls are the most detrimental. Per the 2023 The Tallest Poppy™ study, “increased stress” and “negative impact on mental health” were the top consequences for the individuals affected.

Note: This perspective does not apply to unethical or harmful practices employed by "successful" people; such practices should be criticized. These thoughts are focused on those who legitimately achieve success and then face unwarranted attacks for it.

What It Does to Us (The Critic)

Critics turn their dissatisfaction with themselves outward onto others. I believe those who tear down others are often angry with themselves, and this behavior is easier than building themselves up. It is a misdirection of their efforts and feelings. Instead of focusing on bettering themselves, they invert efforts to tear others down. This misdirection fosters bitterness and resentment, creating a negative feedback loop that worsens over time.

What It Does to Society

It’s a road to nowhere. Everything that we enjoy in society was once developed by a successful individual. Tall Poppy Syndrome promotes a status quo among all people, leading to a bland and unprogressing society. For businesses, it can foster unhealthy company culture practices. In the 2018 The Tallest Poppy™ study, “lack of trust among co-workers” was the number one negative impact employers faced due to this behavior. Societies thrive when individuals thrive, and Tall Poppy Syndrome impedes both individual growth and societal growth.

Thoughts

• Why do you think that people engage in this behavior?

• Have you done this? If so, why?

• Will you have the courage to call it out when you see it?

Thank you for reading Career Advise. Be sure to read our upcoming Out of Office issue on Friday.

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