Instead of being applauded, many people might face the silent wrath of those who resent their success, undermine them, or make them feel socially excluded. This phenomenon is known as the tall poppy syndrome, where those who "grow taller" than others are cut down to size. It's more than casual jealousy. Tall poppy syndrome penalizes those who stand out and stems from the desire to punish their success. The tall poppy is not rewarded, and they stay small.