Unveiled: Thriving Beyond Tall Poppies
Navigating Workplace Challenges
Ever heard of “bloom where you are planted”? Well, imagine growing so tall that you become the Tallest Poppy. Dr. Rumeet Billan's groundbreaking Tallest Poppy Study delves into this social phenomenon and its consequences in the workplace.
“People throw rocks at things that shine” - Taylor Swift
Understanding Tall Poppy Syndrome: A cultural phenomenon where high achievers face criticism, resentment, or belittlement from those threatened by their success. Found across diverse fields, this toxic behavior stifles celebrations of accomplishments, replacing it with personal attacks and gossip, leaving individuals with downplayed achievements and stolen credit.
So, why should Sponsors care? Picture this: A recent survey of over 4700 workers across 103 countries unveiled alarming statistics. Tall Poppy behaviors, from undermining achievement to exclusion from important discussions, were linked to increased stress, diminished confidence, and reduced engagement, particularly among women.
The data is staggering - 86% of women experiencing heightened stress, 66% reporting lower self-confidence, and 61% experiencing intense burnout.
But it’s the human stories that truly hit home. Through our #StoriesUnveiled feature, individuals anonymously share experiences, revealing the real, personal toll of Tall Poppy Syndrome. We thank everyone who shared their stories with us through #StoriesUnveiled - safe spaces are powerful when they provide an avenue to harness them for progress.
Real Stories, Real Impact
A journey marked by constant justification for presence, relentless self-advocacy, and the importance of recognition - “Everyday workplace experiences too often felt like I had to justify being present in the room, never received recognition for even the most difficult of achievements, even as I did everything to be a model productive and collaborative employee. There was a moment of realization that it wasn't about what I do at all, it was always about how "tall" I looked next to others. It drives the importance of self-advocacy and the criticality of a ‘sponsor’ opening doors, even when it comes to recognition of my actual accomplishments, ensuring I am seen is the differentiator in my lived experience.”
Highlighting the challenges of narratives of perception despite stellar results underscores the struggle to break free from societal stereotypes and navigate the complexities of workplace dynamics - “As a lifelong learner, I am energized by conversations that spark ideas and love it when my thought leadership helps spark ideas for others. That has led to meaningful external engagements over the years. However, in a conversation with a sponsor, which I know they were saying to help me understand the politics of it, as a sponsor should be doing, they asked me to be careful about any external engagements. It creates a perception of a lack of commitment to my job. They knew my results were far above my peers. Unfortunately, that is precisely why I knew that it heightened other people's insecurities, especially because holding my own in these dynamic forums, articulating innovative leadership, was not fitting the stereotype.”
At Unveiled: Bridging the Gap to Sponsorship, we spotlight issues that stand in the way of reaching maximum potential for individuals and organizations. Tall poppy syndrome breeds decreased morale, stifles innovation, sparks retention issues, tarnishes reputation, hampers diversity, and squanders growth opportunities.
But what does combatting Tall Poppy Syndrome look like in action? Here are impactful actions that demonstrate what 'good' looks like:
Foster a Culture of Recognition:
Celebrate others’ successes and Actively acknowledge individual and team achievements.
Implement recognition programs to ensure accomplishments are highlighted.
Encourage Open Communication:
There is room for many, this is not a pizza pie, everyone gets to bask in the sun! Establish an environment where employees feel safe discussing their successes.
Promote honest conversations about the impact of Tall Poppy Syndrome and how you as a team will work to counter it.
Call Out Negative Behavior:
Confront tall poppy behavior directly, creating a culture that values honest communication.
Seek clarification when unsure, fostering open dialogue.
Build and Foster Supportive Networks:
Surround yourself with mentors and allies who uplift and encourage you..
Foster a collaborative environment where mutual support is the norm, celebrating others' achievements openly, and creating a positive workplace culture.
Tackling Tall Poppy Syndrome is pivotal for a positive, supportive workplace where everyone feels valued and empowered.
Let's rewrite the narrative, one impactful action at a time.
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Writing Team @Unveiled
Disclaimer: Opinions here are like a diverse buffet – everyone's got their own flavor. Unveiled is the rebel chef in this kitchen, proudly independent and not tied to any entities or corporations. We're not serving up official stances, just a potluck of personal perspectives. Chew on that and feel free to spice it up with your own insights. We're all about transparency and improvement, so dish out that constructive feedback!
Wanda Shoer is a senior executive, strategist, and thought leader in the healthcare industry. She is a value based, driven leader, committed to empowering and supporting others on their career journey. Wanda is a proud Latina of Dominican descent and lives in NJ with her loving husband and two children.
Sahana Mukherjee, Founder & President of Unveiled - Bridging the Gap Corp, is a distinguished HR executive and sought-after speaker, recognized as Crain’s New York 2022 Notable HR Leader. As a pioneering thought leader, she utilizes data to craft strategic approaches, steering organizations through the transformative impact of transitional technologies on the workforce. Her leadership extends beyond conventional technological integration, ‘Mapping Tomorrow’s Workforce Today’ positioning organizations as trailblazers for sustained growth and relevance.
Paola de Almeida is an award-winning senior executive with 20+ years of experience leading strategy, innovation, and business operations in the consumer-packaged goods (CPG) and consulting industries, focused on value creation and delivering growth strategies across global businesses. She is now leading Food, Agriculture and Water Portfolio investment strategy for Pegasus Capital. She is well recognized for her fluent ability to bring the outside in, articulating the next generation of needs and tactical solutions.