LinkedIn addresses Tall Poppy Syndrome in new campaign
LinkedIn has a new campaign designed to rework peoples’ perceptions of Tall Poppy Syndrome.
The announcement:
…a new campaign LinkedIn has launched across Sydney, TikTok and more, designed to help Australian professionals reframe Tall Poppy Syndrome and grow tall in their careers.
To launch the campaign, LinkedIn took to the streets of Sydney’s Barangaroo with a ‘real-life’ Tall Poppy, who delivered real poppy flowers. The stunt served as an ice-breaker to start important conversations around overcoming Australia’s awkward relationship with success.
The on-street activation is also supported by a partnership with TikTok creator Sam Despo. Sam, who runs a successful marketing agency in Australia, has kicked off an ‘I’ll Start’ challenge encouraging Aussies to share their experiences with #TallPoppySyndrome and advice for rising above it.
LinkedIn has partnered with other creators, including Fiona Wang, PreLuv, Level:Asian and Milly Rose Bannister + many more to share their stories by stitching Sam’s video, and is encouraging the TikTok community to do the same.
Tall Poppy Syndrome refers to the uniquely Australian phenomenon of ‘cutting down’ those perceived as successful. Leadership coach Sonia McDonald, who is the CEO and founder of LeadershipHQ, says Tall Poppy Syndrome is rife in Australia.
“Tall Poppy Syndrome is in our offices, in our communities, and even in the mirror sometimes. The best way to combat it is to start by celebrating success. We need to change the narrative from competitive to collaboration, from envy to encouragement. And it needs to start at the top,” said Sonia. “It becomes a problem when it deters us from sharing our ideas and celebrating our wins. This not only limits personal professional growth, but also the ability of Australia as a whole to innovate and think big.”
“After hitting the streets, one thing I definitely noticed is that Gen Z seems to be less inflicted by Tall Poppy Syndrome. They seem to be more supportive of their peers and more likely to celebrate their own successes. This brings me plenty of hope for finally squashing Tall Poppy Syndrome in Australia because this generation are our future, and in some cases, current leaders,” said Sonia McDonald.
LinkedIn Australia’s Top Voices network has also put their weight behind the conversation on Tall Poppy Syndrome, sharing their own experiences and advice on overcoming it.
Professionals can check out their advice and join the #TallPoppySyndrome conversation on LinkedIn today.
Source: LinkedIn
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