No one wants to fail. Seems like an evolutionary trait. To overcome fear of failure you have to take the bull by the horns. Praise failure! No really. Take Google X targeting moonshots. The probability that a moonshot fails is high. Otherwise, it wouldn't be a moonshot. Astro Teller of Google X used to say: "You must reward people for failing. If not, they won't take risks and make breakthroughs."

To help a team member overcome their fear of failure and embrace autonomy, it’s essential to foster an environment of support and open communication. Start by having a one-on-one conversation to understand their concerns and apprehensions. Reassure them that mistakes are a natural part of growth and learning. Provide them with clear guidelines and expectations while allowing room for flexibility in how they achieve their goals. Encourage incremental challenges that gradually increase in complexity, allowing them to build confidence over time. Offering constructive feedback and celebrating small successes will also help reinforce their sense of capability and autonomy.

Helping a team member overcome fear of autonomy starts with understanding Daniel Pink's (also Deci and Ryan's) theory on motivation, which highlights autonomy as a core driver, along with mastery and purpose. To foster this, create a safe environment for failure, where mistakes are part of learning, and establish clear agreements on goals and expectations. Leadership situationally—knowing when to provide more or less support—also nurtures autonomy. Trust is key, built on vulnerability; lead by example, asking for help and recognizing the value of others' ideas. As the former LEGO CEO said, no one is punished for mistakes, only for not help others, or asking for others' help.

It's important to understand the underlying reasons for your team member's fear. Some common causes might include: 1.Past failures: Negative experiences can create a lasting fear of repeating them. 2.Lack of confidence: Doubts about their abilities can hinder their willingness to take risks. 3.Fear of judgment: Worry about being criticized or ridiculed for mistakes. 4.Perfectionism: The desire to be flawless can paralyze action. Strategies for Overcoming Fear by Creating a Safe Space: 1.Open communication: Foster an environment where mistakes are seen as learning opportunities. 2.Empathy: Show understanding and support for their feelings. 3.Positive reinforcement: Acknowledge their successes and efforts.

Overcoming the team member’s fear would require the leader to: 1. Understand and address the root cause of the fear and be proactive in mitigating it. 2. Tell them why you are confident that they are unlikely to fail. 3. Share your own experience. Be vulnerable by sharing a personal story about how you overcame fear. 4. Establish realistic goals to prevent the team member from feeling overwhelmed by unmanageable expectations 5. Reassure them that they are not just being left to handle things alone, you are available to offer guidance. 6. Not just talk about support, but demonstrate it by actively checking in and providing them with feedback as they take on more responsibilities.