You've probably never heard of TPS before but I'll bet you've experienced it on some level. TPS stands for tall poppy syndrome, a reference (dating back to ancient Rome) to cutting the tallest poppy or taking shots at the most openly ambitious or successful person.

This term is used in the United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia and New Zealand to describe situations where a successful person - also called a tall poppy - is prone to verbal attacks, jealousy, criticism and other disparaging behavior. Their crime? Being recognized or elevated above their peers because of their accomplishments or talents.

In the United States, this type of disapproval is typically reserved for one particular group: successful women who have dared to step out of the narrow confines of success that society dictates for them. And worse, it's often other women standing in the wings ready to trip them up or take them out.

Sound harsh? Maybe. But I know many women who have sat on both sides of this destructive syndrome.

Now more than ever we need talented, successful women to step out, step up and take charge. Let's do our part to support them. After all, someone needs to stand head and shoulders above the rest and lead. Why not a woman?