A recent visit to Western Australia got me thinking about the impact of the tall poppy syndrome in innovation. While walking along the unique 40-metre-high platform in the Valley of the Giants (400-year-old Tingle Trees, some of the world’s largest), I was impressed with the innovative approach to preserve these unique trees from increasing number of visitors. It took courage and a unique perspective to solve the problem and then raise the funds to build this very successful project. Most innovative projects require enormous effort and championing to be successful. It is interesting to note that many people are hesitant in being linked to a successful project or getting a high profile in their organisation to avoid being seen as a tall poppy (someone that needs to be cut down to size).
Philip Bowring writes “But where once the ‘tall poppy syndrome’ was a source of pride for many Australians, it is now widely viewed as an obstacle to success, wealth creation and excellence. None other than [former] prime minister John Howard has argued, ‘If there’s one thing we need to get rid of in this country it is our tall poppy syndrome’.”
Food for thought …
Do you know of anyone who has suffered from the tall poppy syndrome?
What do you do to support your team and celebrate their success?
Do you need to rethink your attitude to successful people?
