Servant Leadership in UX Research: Why Leading by Serving Creates Stronger Teams

By Philip Burgess – UX Research Leader

When I think about my role as a leader, one thing always comes to mind: I work for my team, not the other way around. That mindset is at the heart of servant leadership, and it’s shaped every decision I’ve made in my career.

Over the years, I’ve led teams of every size—from one person to fifteen—and in every scenario, my focus has been the same: remove barriers, build trust, and help people grow into their best selves.

What Servant Leadership in UX Research Means to Me

Servant leadership flips the traditional leadership model on its head. Instead of leading from the top down, it starts from the bottom up—empowering others to succeed before yourself. For me, that means:

• Listening first, acting second — Understanding my team’s needs before deciding the next step.

• Being transparent and honest — Even when the news is hard to deliver.

• Putting people before process — Because humans aren’t interchangeable parts in a system.

The Power of Vulnerability and Trust

I’ve learned that vulnerability builds trust faster than any motivational speech when it comes to servant leadership in UX research. When I admit mistakes, ask for feedback, or share challenges, my team feels safe doing the same. That honesty fosters a culture where collaboration thrives and creativity flourishes.

Why People Always Come First

I believe we are people first and employees second. My priority is to ensure my team members feel supported, happy, and fulfilled—because fulfilled people do their best work.

Many of those I’ve led over the years have become lifelong friends, whether they stayed with the company or moved on to new adventures.

When you truly care about the well-being of your people, they notice—and they bring that same care and dedication to their work.

The Results Speak for Themselves

Servant leadership isn’t about being “nice” or avoiding tough calls—it’s about empowering others so the team as a whole can achieve remarkable results. I’ve seen teams under this leadership model innovate faster, collaborate more effectively, and deliver outcomes that exceeded expectations.

Final Thoughts

Servant leadership is a choice. It requires humility, empathy, and a willingness to put others before yourself. But the payoff is huge: stronger relationships, more resilient teams, and work that truly matters.

When you lead by serving, you don’t just build products or meet goals—you build people. And that’s the real measure of success.

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