Leading with Questions, Not Directives: Encouraging UX Researcher Autonomy

By Philip Burgess - UX Research Leader

“The art of leadership is not giving answers, but asking the right questions.”   In UX research, autonomy isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity. When leaders shift from issuing directives to posing thoughtful questions, they unlock deeper insight, stronger ownership, and scalable impact.

Why Autonomy Matters in UX Research

UX researchers thrive when they’re trusted to explore, adapt, and innovate. Autonomy fuels:

• Methodological rigor: Researchers choose the best tools for the job.

• Stakeholder alignment: They navigate complex dynamics with confidence.

• Ethical integrity: They make principled decisions without fear of override.

But autonomy doesn’t mean isolation. It flourishes in environments where leaders guide through inquiry, not instruction.

The Cost of Directive-Heavy Leadership

When leaders default to telling instead of asking, they risk:

• Stifling creativity: Researchers follow orders, not instincts.

• Creating dependency: Teams wait for permission instead of taking initiative.

• Undermining expertise: Decisions feel top-down, not collaborative.

This erodes trust and slows momentum.

Leading with Questions: A Strategic Shift

Here’s how to lead with questions that empower, not interrogate.

1. Frame Challenges, Not Solutions

Instead of saying, “Run a usability test on this,” ask:

• What’s the most effective way to validate this design?

• What assumptions are we making here?

This invites ownership and critical thinking.

2. Ask About Tradeoffs

UX research is full of nuance. Try:

• What are the risks of excluding this user group?

• How might this timeline affect depth of insight?

These questions surface ethical and strategic considerations.

3. Explore Stakeholder Dynamics

Help researchers navigate influence:

• Who needs to be bought in for this to succeed?

• What’s the best way to present this finding to skeptical stakeholders?

This builds political acumen and confidence.

4. Support Growth Through Reflection

After a project, ask:

• What surprised you most?

• What would you do differently next time?

Reflection fosters learning and resilience.

5. Model Curiosity, Not Control

Your tone matters. Replace:

• “Why didn’t you do X?” With:

• “What led you to choose this approach?”

Curiosity signals respect and trust.

The Impact of Question-Led Leadership

When you lead with questions:

• Researchers feel trusted and empowered.

• Teams become more proactive and strategic.

• Insights deepen, and influence expands.

You stop being the answer key—and start being the catalyst.

Final Thought

Leadership isn’t about having all the answers. It’s about creating space for others to find them. In UX research, that means asking better questions, listening deeply, and trusting your team to lead the way.

Philip Burgess | philipburgess.net | phil@philipburgess.net