# Tall Poppy Syndrome: When You Get Cut Down for Standing Out  ## About - Author: Newport Institute - Title: Tall Poppy Syndrome: When You Get Cut Down for Standing Out - Tags: #articles - URL: https://www.newportinstitute.com/resources/mental-health/tall-poppy-syndrome/ ## Highlights Tall Poppy Syndrome gets its name from a story told about King Tarquin the Proud, the ancient Roman tyrant, by the historian Livy. Tarquin’s son Sextus was infiltrating the leadership in a neighboring city and asked his father what he should do next. Tarquin did not say anything, but went into his garden and cut the heads off all the tallest poppies with his sword. Sextus took that to mean he should destroy the leading aristocrats of the city, which he did. Rome then easily overtook the city. --- Not only does Tall Poppy Syndrome behavior go back to ancient times, but it also appears in cultures around the world. The Japanese expression, “The nail that sticks up gets hammered down,” refers to something similar. The phenomenon is also sometimes described as “crab bucket mentality,” referring to the behavior of crabs in a bucket: A lid is not needed because if one gets close to escaping, the other crabs will pull it back down into the bucket. --- Interestingly, Tall Poppy Syndrome has been especially [widespread in](https://research-repository.griffith.edu.au/bitstream/handle/10072/348409/PeetersPUB3311.pdf?sequence=1) [Australia](https://research-repository.griffith.edu.au/bitstream/handle/10072/348409/PeetersPUB3311.pdf?sequence=1). Successful movie stars, politicians, intellectuals, and businesspeople Down Under can count on having their success unkindly scrutinized, especially if the public believes it was undeserved. Aussies pride themselves on their egalitarianism, and Tall Poppy Syndrome was seen as a way to make sure everyone had “a fair go.” --- How to Deal with Tall Poppy Syndrome ... Focus on your internal reasons for doing your best ... Establish and hold good boundaries for yourself. ... Turn toward people and activities that are supportive and energizing ... Know who you can talk to for a sense of perspective ... Explore options for finding a more supportive environment ---