Sometimes the one who shines the most and enjoys the most talent in the workplace is seen as a threat by colleagues and management. Tall poppy syndrome has severe psychological effects.
Last update: April 30, 2022
When a poppy is taller and more beautiful than the others, it seems to break the harmony and balance of the other elements of the field; lower and more common. Solution? Cut it out. A similar situation it often occurs in the workplace and takes the name, precisely, of the tall poppy syndrome.
It is curious to note that society conveys clearly contradictory ideas to us. On the one hand, we are driven towards excellence, to develop all our human potential to contribute to progress and innovation.
From an early age we learn that it is good to develop skills and that those who are more brilliant should be in higher positions.
However, the reality is a little grayer, more ironic, and also a lot more cruel. Sometimes whoever dominates the others is seen as that nail to be hit with the hammer to make it re-enter. In addition to this, competition in the workplace often means considering the most qualified and brilliant figures as a threat.
A very good worker
It is that figure who generates mistrust in others, arouses discomfort because of his brilliant abilities. Sometimes it even poses a risk to the organization itself.
It often has to deal with those who, rather than rejoice in the breeze of change and support innovation, prefer to continue with the usual patterns. Complex situations that many men and women experience on a daily basis.
Tall poppy syndrome: when being the best is a problem
By tall poppy syndrome we mean the feeling of rejection and hostility experienced in the workplace by the person with high skills and great talent.
Spesso being good or "the best" in certain contexts leads the person to choose to keep a low profile. In other words, minimize its results to blend in with others and avoid conflicts. A clearly problematic and demeaning phenomenon. However, it occurs very frequently.
Likewise, it is common for coworkers resort to underhanded strategies to boycott the brilliant person's work, spread gossip, underestimate or even cause harm. The desire to cut the tallest poppy in the field actually hides a series of psychological dimensions that are worth knowing.
Envy, distrust and fear of change
The tall poppy syndrome highlights an undeniable fact: our society does not know how to exploit human capital and talent. Sometimes many companies embrace the concept "be careful that nothing changes".
This policy of protectionism means in many cases cutting off more than one poppy, relegating the talented worker to the corner of oblivion because his ideas and talent pose a threat.
To the fear of change is added the envy of colleagues. Working alongside a brilliant, productive person with great charisma and personal impact causes discomfort and friction.
When a taller poppy appears, there are only two options: either the other poppies reach it or the one that stands out is eliminated. Usually the second option is chosen.
Finally, it should be noted that women are the main victims of tall poppy syndrome. This is demonstrated by a study conducted at McMaster University in Canada.
When the woman shows up to fill high positions in a company, multiple obstacles often arise and she is even required to stumble for the promotion to be considered.
The serious consequences of tall poppy syndrome
Those who renounce their talent renounce their person. Let's think about it, let's get into the skin and mind of those who are victims of such a condition for a moment. Choosing to keep a low profile as a survival mechanism (and to earn a salary) destroys self-esteem.
Whoever dares to rebel and shine runs a risk. Sometimes, the surrounding environment turns into the fire extinguisher that turns off the light of others, the splendor of those who, for a moment, dared to show their talent. Such dynamics are often at the root of many anxiety disorders and depressions.
On the other hand, the study done at the Australian Psychological Society by Dr. Norman Feather shows us that tall poppy syndrome occurs in most businesses, reducing their productivity by up to 20%. The attitude towards those who have talent or who propose changes that in many cases represent progress is still negative today.
This dynamic limits personal progress and causes inconvenience to any business. It is worth bearing in mind the message that writer Elbert Hubbard left us, “There is something far more precious, refined and rare than talent. It is the talent to recognize talented people ”.
