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    Tall Poppy Syndrome: Why Success Becomes a Liability for Women

    19 min
    |
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    11 mai 2026
    PsychologyCareerCorp Culture

    Explore Tall Poppy Syndrome (TPS) and why professional success can become a liability for women. Learn why high achievers are often undermined in the workplace.

    Tall Poppy Syndrome: Why Success Becomes a Liability for Women

    Meilleure citation de Tall Poppy Syndrome: Why Success Becomes a Liability for Women

    “

    Tall Poppy Syndrome is a reflection of their insecurities, not your value. If you weren't a threat, they wouldn't be trying to cut you down, but you don't have to dim your light to make others comfortable.

    ”

    Cette leçon audio a été créée par un membre de la communauté BeFreed

    Question posée

    What makes a me a target with other woman and why I should be catious with being a poppy seed tall poppy syndrome when it comes to woman but also men.

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    Sources de connaissances
    Why Some People Can’t Stand to See You Succeed — Tall Poppy Syndrome Explained
    link
    https://www.verywellmind.com/tall-poppy-syndrome-11805828
    Tall poppy syndrome: Origins, effects, and how to cope
    link
    https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/tall-poppy-syndrome
    The cost of ambition: new research finds almost 90 per cent of women worldwide are penalized and undermined because of their achievements at work
    link
    https://womenofinfluence.ca/2023/03/01/tps-press-release
    Tall Poppy Syndrome is impacting corporations, and it’s not just a women’s issue - The Globe and Mail
    link
    https://www.theglobeandmail.com/business/adv/article-tall-poppy-syndrome-is-impacting-corporations-and-its-not-just-a
    3 Signs That You're Facing 'Tall Poppy Syndrome' | Psychology Today
    link
    https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/social-instincts/202502/3-signs-that-youre-facing-tall-poppy-syndrome
    Are you suffering from tall poppy syndrome at work?  | Metro News
    link
    https://metro.co.uk/2023/08/03/are-you-suffering-from-tall-poppy-syndrome-at-work-19235480/

    Foire aux questions

    Tall Poppy Syndrome, or TPS, is a social phenomenon where individuals who achieve high levels of success are resented, attacked, or cut down. The term comes from the visual of a field of poppies where any flower that grows taller than the rest is snipped down to keep the field level. In the workplace, this manifests as successful individuals being penalized or undermined specifically because of their professional achievements and excellence.

    Research indicates that Tall Poppy Syndrome significantly impacts women, with nearly ninety percent of women worldwide reporting they have been penalized or undermined at work due to their success. A 2023 survey of over four thousand women across more than a hundred countries found that 86.8% felt their achievements were undermined. This creates a challenging environment where excellence feels like a liability rather than a cause for celebration among colleagues.

    Success can become a liability when gender dynamics and social impulses lead others to pull high achievers back down. While women are often encouraged to lean in and aim high, they frequently encounter an invisible ceiling where their milestones are met with hostility instead of support. This workplace undermining can come from both men and women, making successful women feel they must be cautious about their professional accomplishments to avoid becoming a target.

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    Points clés

    1

    The Weight of Being the Tallest Flower in the Field

    2

    The Subtle Art of Social Pruning

    2:37
    2:59
    3:20
    3:40
    3:59
    4:17
    4:31
    4:44
    3

    Why Success Feels Like a Threat to Gender Norms

    4:59
    5:18
    5:34
    5:52
    6:10
    6:27
    6:44
    6:55
    4

    The Invisible Toll on Mental and Physical Health

    7:08
    7:28
    7:42
    7:59
    8:12
    8:25
    8:41
    8:57
    9:17
    5

    Beyond the Office: Success in Friendships and Families

    9:32
    9:46
    10:02
    10:18
    10:34
    10:48
    11:02
    11:15
    11:28
    6

    When the System is the Problem

    11:37
    11:54
    12:06
    12:25
    7:42
    12:55
    13:10
    13:22
    13:36
    7

    A Strategy for the Standing Tall

    13:47
    14:08
    14:22
    14:38
    14:53
    15:12
    15:24
    15:39
    15:53
    8

    From Resentment to Inspiration: A New Field

    16:02
    16:15
    16:27
    16:37
    16:52
    17:03
    7:42
    17:34
    9

    Standing Tall in Your Own Light

    17:44
    17:59
    18:13
    18:27
    18:46
    18:56
    19:02
    19:06

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