On Empowering Women and Overcoming Tall Poppy Syndrome
Sarah and I were introduced by a dear friend’s daughter. A few weeks ago, we met for the first time in a café in London and swapped stories as fast as we could, already late to our respective evening plans. In the brief 20 minutes we had together, she asked if I would consider co-designing and leading a coaching session for women in the workplace with her. YES! I jumped at the opportunity.
To be honest, when I reflected on the conversation later, I was a little floored that she had handed me the baton without hesitation. Sarah is a successful executive coach; we work in similar markets and have overlapping audiences. She didn’t have to involve me in this event — but she did. She chose to help me shine, and in the process we’ve been able to dedicate double the energy to uplifting women through our collaboration. (The session in question, Keeping Your Career on Track, is a timely one for Women’s History Month!)
I share this story because it’s the antithesis to experiences that, unfortunately, I’m sure many of us have encountered due to the activation of Tall Poppy Syndrome: when people are ‘cut down to size’ for their successes and achievements. Sound familiar?
In all my years of coaching and collaborating closely with women, I’ve noticed the ways in which we end up pitted against each other. As we watch women rise, it can bring out a little green-eyed monster for those who are envious. Rather than helping each other shine, sometimes we try to keep each other small.
But there is enough success to go around; there is room for everyone at the top. As Women’s History Month approaches, let this be a reminder: we should champion each and every woman, and surrounded by allies, we can elevate everyone. Here are five ways to do so:
1. Operate from Ample
Abundance comes from generosity. When you see opportunities — on LinkedIn, at the office, in conversation with friends — share them! You never know when an opportunity might be of value to someone, so don’t keep it close to the chest.
2. Share the Stage
Just as Sarah invited me to co-lead her workshop, sharing the stage is a great way to bring someone into your network or help elevate them. How can you foster more collaborations in your own business? (This could be as simple as inviting someone into a conversation or meeting!)
3. See Something? Say Something
We see Tall Poppy Syndrome manifest publicly all the time with artists and celebrities. One minute they’re rockstars, and the next they’re getting virtual rocks hurled at them (often in the form of horrendous Instagram comments).
So, quite simply: don’t play into this narrative. Continue to encourage, amplify, and cheer on women in all areas of your life. Kindness matters, but radical candor goes a long way too.
4. Praise and Promote
Tooting one’s own horn can be uncomfortable, so go ahead and give someone a public high five! Whether on social media or in person, make a point to praise a colleague, employee, or friend. Does someone on your team need a testimonial? Think about ways you can contribute to helping someone shine and get to the next level.
5. Build Bridging Bonds
When it comes to networking, we need to lean into leveraging our connections, not just building them. Networking is reciprocal. Just as Sarah extended an opportunity to me, now it’s my turn to leverage my connections in a way that can be useful to her. How can you bridge the relationship from simply being a contact for someone to being a trusted go-to for help?
Most importantly, don’t be a weed killer. Let’s all continue to water the poppy fields and watch each other grow sky high.
Joyfully,
