The Macquarie Dictionary tells us a 'tall poppy' is "a person who is outstanding in any way".

 So far, so good.

 But in Australia and New Zealand (and perhaps other countries), the term 'Tall Poppy Syndrome' is a widely used phrase.  The Tall Poppy Syndrome is a derogatory term that describes a social phenomenon in which people of genuine merit are resented, attacked, cut down, or criticised because their talents or achievements elevate them above or distinguish them from their peers.

(See the Wikipedia entry at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tall_poppy_syndrome)

We could debate at length the reasons people feel the need to do this.

 But I urge you to go back to the definition of a Tall Poppy.

 Don't we all want to be outstanding?  Aren't we all outstanding in some way?  And isn't it vital that we tap into and share our natural gifts and talents with others?

 I believe you can't fully express your talents and experience what life can offer unless you are prepared to be a Tall Poppy - and ignore the nay-sayers that you might come across.

 If you're ready to let your light shine and join the courageous tribe of Tall Poppies, here are 5 characteristics you will need to develop:

1.   Tall Poppies Take Risks

 It's impossible to always totally accurately predict the results we will get from the actions we take.  Many things involve some degree of risk.

  • Apply for a promotion or new job - and you might not get it.
  • Call and ask someone for help - and they might say 'no'.
  • Take up a new sport or hobby - and you might find you don't really do very well with it.

Yet Tall Poppies don't let these possibilities stop them.  They have a go anyway.

And they believe that if they don't ask the question, the answer is always 'no'.

2.   Tall Poppies Speak Up

And they do this consistently when something is important to them.  Even when they know the person - or people - to whom they are speaking are more than likely to disagree.

Tall Poppies know what is 'not negotiable' for them - they know what they stand for - and they know that, unless they speak up, they are unlikely to have their needs met, their opinions considered and their questions and concerns addressed.

3.   Tall Poppies Think Differently

You know the saying "Great minds think alike"?

Well, years ago I saw an ad on the back of a bus for a nearby secondary school that said "Great minds think differently".

I think this is true.  The world is screaming out for new ideas, new perspectives, new ways of doing things.

If you want to blend in with the crowd, just say and do and think what everyone else does.

But if you want to be a person who is outstanding in some way ... start thinking differently.

4.   Tall Poppies Don't Take It Personally

OK.  So you've taken a risk, spoken up and shared your very different idea about how to increase profits in the business.  You put together a detailed plan, supported with a sound financial analysis and presented it to some key decision-makers.

And they said 'no'.

Tall Poppies recognise it is only their idea that has been rejected and not them personally.  They know that, as a human being, there is much more to them than one of their ideas, one of their opinions, one of their projects.

So if one proposal doesn't pan out as they hoped, they know it's not about them.  They don't personalise the 'rejection'.

5.   Tall Poppies Are Resilient and Bounce Back Quickly

And if they run into resistance, get a 'knock back' or have a request denied ... well, they move on.

Sure - they get frustrated, angry, annoyed, disappointed and irritated.  But they don't let these feelings paralyse them.  Tall Poppies have developed the skill of readily brushing themselves off and getting back into the game.

It's time for all Tall Poppies to stand up and be counted! Will you be one of them?

Wishing you lots of outstanding moments ...

Take Action Now!

1. Consider taking at least 1 small risk per week. You may be pleasantly surprised by the results!

2. Get clear on your ‘Not Negotiables’ – and then stand up for these.

3. Be willing to think differently – resist the simple route of following the crowd.

4. Remember, rejection by others of your ideas is not rejection of you as a person.

5. Learn the skills of resilience – and become Pressure-Proof – you'll be glad you did!

© Copyright 2012 Sandi Givens and Knowledge-Able Pty Ltd. All Rights Reserved.