Michal Oshman Talks about Breaking Through Fear and Building Trust in the Workplace

Fear and trust are two critical forces that shape the workplace. In a recent LinkedIn Live webinar hosted by Oxford Leadership, Michal Oshman, a thought leader in organisational culture and leadership, shared insights on overcoming fear and fostering trust to create engaged, resilient teams. Drawing from her extensive experience at TikTok, Facebook, and eBay, she provided actionable strategies for leaders to implement.

Understanding Fear in the Workplace

The discussion began by differentiating between fear and anxiety—fear being an immediate response to a threat, and anxiety stemming from the anticipation of potential harm. Both, if unaddressed, can negatively impact employee engagement and performance. Personal anecdotes illustrated how fear of failure or exclusion shapes workplace dynamics and emphasised its prevalence in professional settings.

The Cost of Unaddressed Fear

Unchecked fear can erode trust and hinder team performance. Leaders risk creating environments where employees avoid honest communication, disengage, or withhold their best efforts. Addressing these fears requires leaders to be aware of what their teams might be anxious about, from personal insecurities to external uncertainties.

Building a Culture of Trust

Trust is the antidote to fear. Practical steps for fostering trust in the workplace include:

• Healthy Communication: Promoting open, honest conversations while being mindful of the language used.
  
• Transparency: Sharing both successes and challenges builds credibility and reduces uncertainty.
  
• Modelling Vulnerability: Leaders who own their mistakes and demonstrate authenticity inspire their teams to do the same.
  
• Shared Purpose: Aligning individual roles with the organisation’s mission creates a sense of belonging and fulfilment.

Key Tools and Practices

The session introduced practical initiatives for leaders to consider:

• Trust Circles: Regular, safe spaces for team members to share thoughts and concerns.
  
• Failure Learning Labs: Opportunities to learn from setbacks in a supportive environment.
  
• Purpose Alignment Initiatives: Ensuring team members’ work connects meaningfully to organisational goals.

Takeaway

The session concluded with a powerful reminder: “Fear and trust cannot coexist.” Leaders play a pivotal role in choosing trust over fear by cultivating environments where employees feel valued, understood, and empowered.

For leaders seeking to break through fear and build trust, this webinar provided both inspiration and a roadmap to lasting success.

Watch the full webinar here:

Breaking Through Fear and Building Trust in the Workplace

Company Leadership & Advisors / Global Operations

Jonathan Yukawa

Experienced Managing Director with a demonstrated history of working in the management consulting industry. Skilled in Digital Strategy, Branding, Communication, Business Planning, Marketing Strategy, and Creative Development. Strong business and leadership professional with a Master’s Degree in Strategic Marketing and Luxury Brand Management.