Written by Susana Pontiggia (Psychologist, Specialist in Neuroscience and Human Behavioral Sciences, Consultant in Personal and Organizational Development)

What is Procrustean Syndrome?

Procrustean Syndrome, inspired by Greek mythology, refers to the tendency of some individuals to stifle the success of others due to a fear of being outshined. This behavior stems from personal insecurity and manifests in the workplace as efforts to limit or undermine others’ growth to avoid feeling inferior. From a behavioral science perspective, this attitude can be understood through psychological and social mechanisms that negatively impact workplace dynamics.

In Greek mythology, Procrustes was a bandit who forced travelers to lie on a bed of iron, known as the “arbitrary bed.” If the person was longer than the bed, he would cut off their limbs; if shorter, he would stretch them until they fit. This brutal story has become a powerful metaphor for individuals who, driven by insecurity, attempt to limit the success or achievements of others.

Procrustean behavior creates a work environment where talent is stifled, innovation is hindered, and collaboration declines.

The Psychology Behind Procrustean Behavior

Those with Procrustean tendencies often perceive others’ success as a personal threat. Rather than viewing others’ achievements as opportunities for learning and growth, they focus on protecting their own perceived status. This is where Leon Festinger’s Social Comparison Theory becomes relevant. Festinger’s theory suggests that individuals evaluate their self-worth by comparing themselves to others. When these comparisons are unfavorable, feelings of inadequacy can arise, leading to defensive behaviors aimed at diminishing or sabotaging the accomplishments of high achievers.

Those with Procrustean tendencies often perceive others’ success as a personal threat.

Additionally, the Ego Threat Effect explains how individuals who feel vulnerable or insecure may act out to protect their self-esteem. This often results in toxic behaviors such as withholding recognition, engaging in sabotage, or excluding talented individuals from opportunities. These behaviors stem from a deep-rooted need to maintain a sense of superiority and avoid confronting one’s perceived weaknesses.

The Impact of Procrustean Syndrome in the Workplace

Procrustean behavior creates a work environment where talent is stifled, innovation is hindered, and collaboration declines. In teams where individual growth is not encouraged, stagnation can occur, ultimately affecting both organizational performance and employee well-being. Moreover, high-performing employees are likely to seek out more supportive environments, leading to high turnover and a loss of valuable talent.

Overcoming this dynamic requires a shift in mindset—one where the success of each team member is seen as an opportunity for shared progress.

How to Overcome Procrustean Syndrome

To prevent this toxic dynamic and promote a culture of growth and collaboration, organizations can implement several key strategies:

1. Foster a Growth Mindset: Encourage employees to see challenges as opportunities for self-improvement. Providing training on the importance of continuous learning can help shift focus from competition to personal development.
2. Develop Emotional Intelligence: Offer resources that help employees manage personal insecurities, reducing the likelihood of defensive reactions. Emotional intelligence training can help individuals recognize and regulate their emotions, preventing insecurity from driving negative behaviors.
3. Celebrate Success and Collaboration: Create a culture where individual achievements are recognized and celebrated as part of the team’s collective success. Recognizing contributions fosters a sense of belonging and encourages others to strive for excellence without fear of repercussions.
4. Train Leaders in Positive Leadership: Leaders who promote openness, trust, and transparency help build cohesive, resilient teams. Positive leadership emphasizes the importance of growth, not just for the individual, but for the organization as a whole.

Conclusion: Shifting from Insecurity to Collective Success

Procrustean Syndrome highlights how personal insecurities can become significant barriers to both individual and organizational growth. Overcoming this dynamic requires a shift in mindset—one where the success of each team member is seen as an opportunity for shared progress. By integrating behavioral science principles and emotional intelligence into organizational culture, companies can cultivate healthy environments that support both individual development and collective success.