The 10 Core Principles of Servant Leadership: Leading with Purpose and Humanity

By Philip Burgess – UX Research Leader

In a world that often celebrates authority and control, servant leadership offers a refreshing—and powerful—alternative. Coined by Robert K. Greenleaf in the 1970s, this philosophy flips the traditional leadership model on its head. Instead of asking, “How can my team serve me?” the servant leader asks, “How can I serve my team?”

Whether you're guiding a UX research initiative or leading a complex SAP integration, these ten principles can help you build trust, foster collaboration, and drive meaningful impact.

1. Listening

Great leaders don’t just hear—they listen deeply. Servant leaders create space for others to speak, reflect, and be understood. This means active listening in meetings, one-on-ones, and even in moments of silence.

Tip: Start every team interaction with a question, not a directive.

2. Empathy

Understanding others’ perspectives—especially when they differ from your own—is foundational. Empathy builds bridges across disciplines, cultures, and personalities.

In UX research, empathy isn’t just a tool—it’s a mindset.

3. Healing

Servant leaders recognize that workplaces are human spaces. They help others recover from setbacks, resolve conflicts, and grow stronger through adversity.

Ask: “What support do you need to move forward?”

4. Awareness

Self-awareness and situational awareness allow leaders to act with intention. This includes understanding your strengths, blind spots, and the dynamics around you.

Leadership begins with knowing yourself.

5. Persuasion

Rather than relying on authority, servant leaders influence through dialogue, logic, and shared values. It’s about guiding, not commanding.

Replace “Because I said so” with “Here’s why this matters.”

6. Conceptualization

Vision matters. Servant leaders think beyond day-to-day tasks and help their teams see the bigger picture—whether it’s a product roadmap or a strategic transformation.

Paint a compelling future, then invite others to co-create it.

7. Foresight

This principle blends intuition, experience, and data to anticipate outcomes. It’s the ability to learn from the past, understand the present, and prepare for what’s next.

In SAP projects, foresight prevents costly missteps.

8. Stewardship

Servant leaders see themselves as caretakers of resources, culture, and people. They act with integrity and accountability, knowing their role is temporary but their impact can be lasting.

Lead as if you’re preparing the ground for someone else to thrive.

9. Commitment to the Growth of People

Investing in others’ development is non-negotiable. Servant leaders mentor, coach, and create opportunities for learning and advancement.

Success is measured by how many others you elevate.

10. Building Community

Beyond teams and departments, servant leaders foster a sense of belonging. They create environments where people feel connected, valued, and safe to contribute.

Community is the soil where innovation grows.

Final Thoughts

Servant leadership isn’t a soft skill—it’s a strategic advantage. It transforms how we lead, how we build, and how we grow. Whether you're navigating the complexities of enterprise systems or cultivating user-centered design, these principles offer a timeless guide to leading with purpose.

Ready to lead from behind, beside, and within? Let’s build something extraordinary—together.