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MENTAL MODEL · M12915

Tall Poppy Syndrome

Tall Poppy Syndrome
BehaviorHigh supportSocial Psychology
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Version 1.0.0 · Updated 2026-07-30

CORE DEFINITION

The tendency of a group to criticize, attack, or isolate its outstanding members (like cutting down the tall poppies) in order to maintain group conformity and mediocrity.

SCAFFOLDING EFFECT

psychology

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Envy management. If you are a star employee, realize that your excellence itself is an offense to the mediocre. You need extra "social grooming" (keeping a low profile, sharing credit) to protect yourself from being cut down.

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"High poppy syndrome" is synonymous with "tall poppy syndrome," referring to the tendency in cultures such as Australia and New Zealand for outstanding or successful individuals to be pulled down or ridiculed by peers. The tallest poppy is cut first, symbolizing hostility toward excellence.

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Source support: Explicit

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    en.wikipedia.orghttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tall_poppy_syndromeZH · Explicit
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