5 Ways to Soar Above Tall Poppy Syndrome

Leaders often face gusty winds and need to soar above tall poppy syndrome. You may not be familiar with “tall poppy syndrome” – I certainly wasn’t until recently!

Tall poppy syndrome was introduced to me by Rebecca Fry. She was a facilitator at the Rotary Global Leadership Retreat in Honolulu last November. The term “tall poppy syndrome” originated in Australia. It is a phenomenon where individuals are criticized or cut down by others for their success. Other leaders don’t want you to be that tall poppy.

Don’t let others cut you down. Soar above tall poppy syndrome.

Tall poppy syndrome can create a challenging climate for your leadership growth and achievement. It can also impact the performance of your teams. Business leaders need to find ways to soar above tall poppy syndrome, level up their skills, and find opportunities to soar. Here’s how:

1. Recognize and Understand tall poppy syndrome

• Awareness is the first step to navigating through tall poppy syndrome. Understand that it’s often rooted in jealousy or societal norms that frown upon individuals standing out or breaking the mold. Recognizing it can help you depersonalize negative feedback and focus on your journey.

2. Focus on Your Flight Path

• Keep your eyes on your goals and values. Like a pilot in command, maintain your course and stay true to your vision. This steadfast focus will help you rise above the negativity and stay on track towards your objectives.

3. Foster a Supportive Environment

• Surround yourself with a crew who shares your aspirations and supports your growth. A positive team environment can counteract the effects of tall poppy syndrome, providing you the lift to reach new heights.

4. Reflect and Grow

• Use criticism constructively. Evaluate feedback to identify any valid points for improvement, but discard destructive negativity. Reflection and growth are like a pilot adjusting to the wind currents to maintain a smooth ascent.

5. Celebrate Success

• Don’t be afraid to acknowledge and celebrate your achievements. Recognizing success affirms your efforts and inspires others to pursue their aspirations despite tall poppy syndrome.

You can soar above tall poppy syndrome. The unpredictable air currents around you are challenging, but not insurmountable. By understanding and addressing tall poppy syndrome, focusing on your goals, fostering a supportive network, reflecting on feedback, and celebrating your achievements, you can navigate through the turbulence and soar to new heights. You haven’t peaked yet!