The Silent Killer in Your Workplace | Tom Rieger

Fear isn’t always about things that go bump in the night. At work, it often shows up in far subtler ways, and it may be costing your team more than you realize. This week, we’re talking to Tom Rieger about fear of loss, a subtle force quietly shaping decision-making, and putting even the most well-intentioned organizations at risk for siloed teams and missed opportunities.

Drawing on Tom’s research, we explore what he calls the “fear barrier” and how it evolves, from parochial thinking to territorial behavior, and eventually to full-blown empire building if left unchecked. These daunting ideas tie into some of the core behavioral science principles we often talk about on the show – loss aversion, reference points, and the often irrational nature of seemingly rational decisions, giving you a clearer lens on why these dynamics persist.

Inevitably, our conversation touches on today’s workplace, where AI and remote work are accelerating what Tom calls “shadow realities.” As organizations adopt new technologies without first aligning with people, fear is well-positioned to deepen rather than disappear. The question today isn’t “does fear exist?” It’s whether we’re willing to confront it.

Want to watch this episode? Check it out on our YouTube Channel