'It's having an impact on productivity': What is tall poppy syndrome and how to know if it's at your organization
A new study shows that over 85 per cent of women have experienced hostility because of their achievements.
The Tallest Poppy 2023 Whitepaper indicates there are many ways this can happen, with 77 per cent saying their achievement was downplayed, 72 per cent said they were left out or ignored, and 70 per cent said they were undermined at work.
All of it mounts up to tall poppy syndrome, the CEO and owner of Women of Influence told CTV News.
“Tall poppy syndrome occurs when you are attacked, resented ostracized or disliked because of your achievements or success. So let's say as an example, you receive a promotion or you get a new job. You're going to be attacked because of that success,” Rumeet Billan said.
Billan said the syndrome can lead to negative outcomes for organizations and individuals.
“We know that it's having an impact on productivity, where 75 per cent of respondents agreed to that. We also know that half of those who are experiencing tall poppy syndrome are leaving their organizations,” she said. “Organizations want to pay attention to that because that is your top talent that's leaving.”
She also said that it impacts the mental health of those who are targeted.
OVERCOMING TALL POPPY SYNDROME
Billan said survey respondents indicated ways that organizations can weed out tall poppy syndrome.
“They were very loud and clear in terms of what organizations can do with the first one being building awareness. Name it, recognize it, acknowledge it, call it what it is,” she said.
“We had many respondents share that they didn't even know that what they were experiencing has a name and once they were able to label it, they actually felt less alone.”
She said that building awareness was one of the first steps organizations can take to overcome the pattern.
“The second piece is accountability. Hold people accountable for their actions. Respondents also shared that they need transparency around hiring processes around promotions, around salaries, and it's also about creating zero tolerance, not accepting this behaviour, regardless of anyone's position, title or role within that organization.”
While the survey focused on women’s experience at work, Billan said tall poppy syndrome was not just a women’s issue.
“Tall poppy syndrome happens to everyone regardless of how you identify.”
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Celine Dion delivers stirring comeback performance at Paris Olympics opening ceremony
Against the rainy Paris night sky, Celine Dion staged the comeback of her career with a powerful performance from the Eiffel Tower to open the Olympic Games.
Jasper wildfire: 'Several weeks' before residents can return, premier says
Premier Danielle Smith said Friday afternoon in Hinton while weather conditions are cooler, the Jasper fire is still considered out of control and that Jasper residents can expect to be away from their homes 'for several weeks.'
Missing 3-year-old boy found dead in creek in Mississauga, Ont.: police
A three-year-old boy has been found dead a day after he went missing in a park in Mississauga, Ont., Peel police say.
Irish museum pulls Sinead O'Connor waxwork after just one day due to backlash
An Irish museum will withdraw a waxwork of singer-songwriter Sinéad O'Connor just one day after installing it, following a backlash from her family and the public, it told CNN in a statement on Friday.
Winnipeg senior's account overdrawn for $146,000 water bill
A Winnipeg senior is getting soaked with a six-figure water bill.
FBI says Trump was indeed struck by bullet during assassination attempt
Nearly two weeks after Donald Trump’s near assassination, the FBI confirmed Friday that it was indeed a bullet that struck the former president’s ear, moving to clear up conflicting accounts about what caused the former U.S. president’s injuries after a gunman opened fire at a Pennsylvania rally.
Driver charged after flashing high beams at approaching police
Orillia OPP arrested and charged a driver with impaired driving after flashing their high beams.
Turpel-Lafond won't sue CBC over Cree heritage report that took 'heavy toll': lawyer
The lawyer for a former judge whose claims to be Cree were questioned in a CBC investigation says his client is not considering legal action against the broadcaster after the Law Society of British Columbia this week backed her claims of Indigenous heritage.
Major Canadian bank experiences direct deposit outage on payday
Scotiabank says it has fixed a technical issue that impacted direct deposits on Friday morning.