BeFreed
    Categories>Psychology>Tall Poppy Syndrome: Why Success Becomes a Liability for Women

    Tall Poppy Syndrome: Why Success Becomes a Liability for Women

    19 min
    |
    |
    11 mai 2026
    PsychologyCareer & BusinessLeadership & Corp 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.

    ”
    F

    Generated by Freedee_C80FE9AB

    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.

    Voix des présentateurs
    Lenaplay
    Niaplay
    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.

    Cree par des anciens de Columbia University a San Francisco

    BeFreed rassemble une communauté mondiale de 1,000,000 esprits curieux
    Decouvrez comment BeFreed est discute sur le web

    "Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."

    @Moemenn
    platform
    star
    star
    star
    star
    star

    "I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."

    @Chloe, Solo founder, LA
    platform
    comments
    12
    likes
    117

    "Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."

    @Raaaaaachelw
    platform
    star
    star
    star
    star
    star

    "Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."

    @Matt, YC alum
    platform
    comments
    12
    likes
    108

    "Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."

    @Erin, Investment Banking Associate , NYC
    platform
    comments
    254
    likes
    17

    "Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

    @djmikemoore
    platform
    star
    star
    star
    star
    star

    "BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."

    @Pitiful
    platform
    comments
    96
    likes
    4.5K

    "BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."

    @SofiaP
    platform
    star
    star
    star
    star
    star

    "BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"

    @Jaded_Falcon
    platform
    comments
    201
    thumbsUp
    16

    "It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."

    @OojasSalunke
    platform
    star
    star
    star
    star
    star

    "The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."

    @Leo, Law Student, UPenn
    platform
    comments
    37
    likes
    483

    "Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"

    @Cashflowbubu
    platform
    star
    star
    star
    star
    star

    Cree par des anciens de Columbia University a San Francisco

    BeFreed rassemble une communauté mondiale de 1,000,000 esprits curieux
    Decouvrez comment BeFreed est discute sur le web

    "Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."

    @Moemenn
    platform
    star
    star
    star
    star
    star

    "I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."

    @Chloe, Solo founder, LA
    platform
    comments
    12
    likes
    117

    "Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."

    @Raaaaaachelw
    platform
    star
    star
    star
    star
    star

    "Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."

    @Matt, YC alum
    platform
    comments
    12
    likes
    108

    "Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."

    @Erin, Investment Banking Associate , NYC
    platform
    comments
    254
    likes
    17

    "Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

    @djmikemoore
    platform
    star
    star
    star
    star
    star

    "BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."

    @Pitiful
    platform
    comments
    96
    likes
    4.5K

    "BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."

    @SofiaP
    platform
    star
    star
    star
    star
    star

    "BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"

    @Jaded_Falcon
    platform
    comments
    201
    thumbsUp
    16

    "It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."

    @OojasSalunke
    platform
    star
    star
    star
    star
    star

    "The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."

    @Leo, Law Student, UPenn
    platform
    comments
    37
    likes
    483

    "Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"

    @Cashflowbubu
    platform
    star
    star
    star
    star
    star

    "Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."

    @Moemenn
    platform
    star
    star
    star
    star
    star

    "I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."

    @Chloe, Solo founder, LA
    platform
    comments
    12
    likes
    117

    "Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."

    @Raaaaaachelw
    platform
    star
    star
    star
    star
    star

    "Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."

    @Matt, YC alum
    platform
    comments
    12
    likes
    108

    "Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."

    @Erin, Investment Banking Associate , NYC
    platform
    comments
    254
    likes
    17

    "Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

    @djmikemoore
    platform
    star
    star
    star
    star
    star

    "BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."

    @Pitiful
    platform
    comments
    96
    likes
    4.5K

    "BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."

    @SofiaP
    platform
    star
    star
    star
    star
    star

    "BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"

    @Jaded_Falcon
    platform
    comments
    201
    thumbsUp
    16

    "It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."

    @OojasSalunke
    platform
    star
    star
    star
    star
    star

    "The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."

    @Leo, Law Student, UPenn
    platform
    comments
    37
    likes
    483

    "Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"

    @Cashflowbubu
    platform
    star
    star
    star
    star
    star

    "Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."

    @Moemenn
    platform
    star
    star
    star
    star
    star

    "I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."

    @Chloe, Solo founder, LA
    platform
    comments
    12
    likes
    117

    "Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."

    @Raaaaaachelw
    platform
    star
    star
    star
    star
    star

    "Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."

    @Matt, YC alum
    platform
    comments
    12
    likes
    108

    "Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."

    @Erin, Investment Banking Associate , NYC
    platform
    comments
    254
    likes
    17

    "Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

    @djmikemoore
    platform
    star
    star
    star
    star
    star

    "BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."

    @Pitiful
    platform
    comments
    96
    likes
    4.5K

    "BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."

    @SofiaP
    platform
    star
    star
    star
    star
    star

    "BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"

    @Jaded_Falcon
    platform
    comments
    201
    thumbsUp
    16

    "It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."

    @OojasSalunke
    platform
    star
    star
    star
    star
    star

    "The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."

    @Leo, Law Student, UPenn
    platform
    comments
    37
    likes
    483

    "Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"

    @Cashflowbubu
    platform
    star
    star
    star
    star
    star
    1.5K Ratings4.7
    Commencez votre parcours d'apprentissage, maintenant
    BeFreed App
    BeFreed

    Apprenez n'importe quoi, personnalise

    DiscordLinkedIn
    Resumes de livres en vedette
    Crucial ConversationsThe Perfect MarriageInto the WildNever Split the DifferenceAttachedGood to GreatSay Nothing
    Categories tendance
    Self HelpCommunication SkillRelationshipMindfulnessPhilosophyInspirationProductivity
    Listes de lecture de celebrites
    Elon MuskCharlie KirkBill GatesSteve JobsAndrew HubermanJoe RoganJordan Peterson
    Collection primee
    Pulitzer PrizeNational Book AwardGoodreads Choice AwardsNobel Prize in LiteratureNew York TimesCaldecott MedalNebula Award
    Sujets en vedette
    ManagementAmerican HistoryWarTradingStoicismAnxietySex
    Meilleurs livres par annee
    2025 Best Non Fiction Books2024 Best Non Fiction Books2023 Best Non Fiction Books
    Auteurs en vedette
    Chimamanda Ngozi AdichieGeorge OrwellO. J. SimpsonBarbara O'NeillWinston ChurchillCharlie Kirk
    BeFreed vs autres applications
    BeFreed vs. Other Book Summary AppsBeFreed vs. ElevenReaderBeFreed vs. ReadwiseBeFreed vs. Anki
    Outils d'apprentissage
    Knowledge VisualizerAI Podcast Generator
    Informations
    A propos de nousarrow
    Tarifsarrow
    FAQarrow
    Blogarrow
    Carrieresarrow
    Partenariatsarrow
    Programme Ambassadeurarrow
    Repertoirearrow
    BeFreed
    Try now
    © 2026 BeFreed
    Conditions d'utilisationPolitique de confidentialite
    BeFreed

    Apprenez n'importe quoi, personnalise

    DiscordLinkedIn
    Resumes de livres en vedette
    Crucial ConversationsThe Perfect MarriageInto the WildNever Split the DifferenceAttachedGood to GreatSay Nothing
    Categories tendance
    Self HelpCommunication SkillRelationshipMindfulnessPhilosophyInspirationProductivity
    Listes de lecture de celebrites
    Elon MuskCharlie KirkBill GatesSteve JobsAndrew HubermanJoe RoganJordan Peterson
    Collection primee
    Pulitzer PrizeNational Book AwardGoodreads Choice AwardsNobel Prize in LiteratureNew York TimesCaldecott MedalNebula Award
    Sujets en vedette
    ManagementAmerican HistoryWarTradingStoicismAnxietySex
    Meilleurs livres par annee
    2025 Best Non Fiction Books2024 Best Non Fiction Books2023 Best Non Fiction Books
    Outils d'apprentissage
    Knowledge VisualizerAI Podcast Generator
    Auteurs en vedette
    Chimamanda Ngozi AdichieGeorge OrwellO. J. SimpsonBarbara O'NeillWinston ChurchillCharlie Kirk
    BeFreed vs autres applications
    BeFreed vs. Other Book Summary AppsBeFreed vs. ElevenReaderBeFreed vs. ReadwiseBeFreed vs. Anki
    Informations
    A propos de nousarrow
    Tarifsarrow
    FAQarrow
    Blogarrow
    Carrieresarrow
    Partenariatsarrow
    Programme Ambassadeurarrow
    Repertoirearrow
    BeFreed
    Try now
    © 2026 BeFreed
    Conditions d'utilisationPolitique de confidentialite

    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

    Dans le même genre

    Couverture du livre Gluckschmerz: When Your Progress Sparks Their Resentment
    Frontiers | The bittersweet smell of success: Malicious online responses to others achievementsWhen I Hate to Follow You: Hate-Following, Envy, and Schadenfreude on InstagramOxidative stress, inflammation, psychological status, and severity of respiratory infections are negatively affected during the pre-contest period in amateur bodybuildersInflammation: the major regulator of muscle growth nobody ...
    5 sources
    Gluckschmerz: When Your Progress Sparks Their Resentment
    Why does your success feel like a loss to others? Explore the psychology of gluckschmerz and learn to protect your peace from toxic critics.
    1211 min
    Couverture du livre Tall Poppy Syndrome: Surviving Gym Power Games
    Why Competitive Women Are Sometimes Seen as Threats | Psychology TodayNarcissistic Triangulation: How It Works and How to Recognize It | Simply PsychologyNarcissistic Triangulation: Defintion, Examples, How to Respond‘Shy girl workouts’ aren’t just a great way to get fit – they may also help women gain confidence in the gym
    6 sources
    Tall Poppy Syndrome: Surviving Gym Power Games
    Feeling watched or targeted at the gym isn't in your head. Learn why your confidence triggers others' insecurities and how to reclaim your space.
    1092 min
    Couverture du livre The Weight of the Invisible Crown
    Imposter Syndrome in High-Achievers: The | Annie WrightWhy Imposter Syndrome Gets Louder When Things Go Right - Modern PsychGifted Kid Burnout: Signs and How to Overcome ItIt Is Not Bad to Be the Big Fish in a Small Pond: Revisiting the Double-Edged Sword Model of College Students’ Perceived Overqualification
    5 sources
    The Weight of the Invisible Crown
    When academic success feels like a fluke, the pressure to perform becomes exhausting. Learn why achievement triggers doubt and how to own your wins.
    14 min
    Couverture du livre The Trauma of Ambition
    Achievement as Survival: When Success Is a Trauma ResponseThe Inner Critic: Why She's So Loud and How to Stop HerIFS Therapy for Driven WomenRedefining Success: High Achievers Feel Empty | Kenny Weiss
    6 sources
    The Trauma of Ambition
    When success is fueled by survival, rest can feel like a threat. Learn to quiet the inner critic and decouple your worth from your daily output.
    1024 min
    Couverture du livre The Arrival Fallacy: Beyond the High of Success
    Achievement Addiction: When Success Becomes a HighWhy Success Feels Empty: The Dopamine Loop — Counselling & Psychotherapy in Bristol & Online - 2025Hubris Syndrome: What it Is, Symptoms, and Causes | 2026Why You Feel Sad After Achieving Something Big — The Psychology No One Talks About
    6 sources
    The Arrival Fallacy: Beyond the High of Success
    Chasing a major goal is a rush, but the post-win crash can be tough. Learn why your brain recalibrates after success and how to find steady joy.
    30 min
    Couverture du livre Stopping Imposter Syndrome From Sabotaging Your Wins
    Do the WorkThe Mindset BlueprintStick with ItThe Kindness Method
    28 sources
    Stopping Imposter Syndrome From Sabotaging Your Wins
    When success feels like a fluke, your brain might be playing defense. Learn why you outsource your wins and how to stop your old self from pulling you back.
    41 min
    Couverture du livre The Leadership Trap Disguised as Strength
    The Toxic Trait No One Talks About in LeadershipThe Leadership Reckoning: Why Your Greatest Strength is Secretly Sabotaging Your Team - Authentic LeaderHow Success Can Become a Leadership Blind Spot | Psychology TodayTransformational Leader or Narcissist? How Grandiose Narcissists Can Create and Destroy Organizations and Institutions
    7 sources
    The Leadership Trap Disguised as Strength
    Your greatest professional assets can accidentally stifle your team. Learn to identify the 'shadow side' of your success and lead without overreaching.
    1015 min
    Couverture du livre Excellencism vs. Perfectionism
    On the Distinction Between Personal Standards Perfectionism and Excellencism: A Theory Elaboration and Research Agenda - Patrick Gaudreau, 2019Why Perfectionism Is a Trap | Psychology TodayIn Pursuit of Perfection: How The World's Greatest Artists Transcend Their ImperfectionsWhy We Find Imperfect Art More Beautiful Than Flawless Work - Festivaltopia
    6 sources
    Excellencism vs. Perfectionism
    Striving for the best often leads to burnout instead of results. Discover why pursuing excellence—not perfection—is the real key to higher achievement.
    21 min

    Recommended Learning Plans

    End self-help and success obsession
    PLAN D'APPRENTISSAGE

    End self-help and success obsession

    Modern culture often traps us in a cycle of endless self-improvement that leads to burnout rather than fulfillment. This plan is essential for high-achievers and wellness enthusiasts who feel exhausted by the pressure to constantly optimize every aspect of their lives.

    5 h 40 m•4 Sections
    Stop the Self-Punishment Cycle
    PLAN D'APPRENTISSAGE

    Stop the Self-Punishment Cycle

    High achievers and perfectionists often fall into a trap where self-criticism becomes a barrier to progress rather than a motivator. This plan provides the tools to dismantle negative internal dialogues and build the resilience needed to face uncertainty without self-punishment.

    48 m•2 Sections
    Stop Pleasing and Start Speaking
    PLAN D'APPRENTISSAGE

    Stop Pleasing and Start Speaking

    This plan is essential for high-achievers and individuals who feel drained by constant self-censorship and the need for external validation. It provides a psychological roadmap to transition from reactive compliance to proactive, boundary-led living for anyone struggling with social anxiety or passivity.

    1 h 30 m•3 Sections
    Build self-respect & handle work power plays
    PLAN D'APPRENTISSAGE

    Build self-respect & handle work power plays

    This learning plan is essential for professionals who feel undervalued, struggle with boundary-setting, or find themselves outmaneuvered by office politics. It's particularly valuable for those who want to advance their careers without compromising their integrity, and for anyone dealing with difficult colleagues or toxic workplace dynamics that erode their confidence and peace of mind.

    4 h 53 m•4 Sections
    The Courage to Be You
    PLAN D'APPRENTISSAGE

    The Courage to Be You

    In a world driven by social media and constant comparison, many people struggle with the biological urge to people-please at the expense of their own identity. This plan is designed for professionals and individuals who feel held back by social anxiety or the need for external approval. It offers a psychological roadmap to reclaiming your voice and living with integrity.

    1 h 12 m•3 Sections
    Breaking Free from the Shame Spiral
    PLAN D'APPRENTISSAGE

    Breaking Free from the Shame Spiral

    Shame often acts as a silent barrier to professional growth and personal fulfillment, leading to burnout and social withdrawal. This plan is essential for high-achievers and individuals struggling with imposter syndrome who want to transition from self-criticism to radical authenticity.

    1 h 12 m•3 Sections
    Unlearn People Pleasing
    PLAN D'APPRENTISSAGE

    Unlearn People Pleasing

    Many individuals sacrifice their own well-being to maintain harmony, often leading to burnout and resentment. This plan is designed for chronic over-givers and conflict-avoidant professionals who want to reclaim their time and integrity without losing their empathy.

    1 h 30 m•3 Sections
    Trust Your Gut, Quiet Your Critic
    PLAN D'APPRENTISSAGE

    Trust Your Gut, Quiet Your Critic

    In a world of constant comparison, many professionals struggle with a loud inner critic that paralyzes their decision-making. This plan is designed for high-achievers who want to reclaim their confidence by decoupling their value from their output and quieting the cycle of second-guessing.

    1 h 30 m•3 Sections