Servant leadership is a powerful approach that focuses on supporting and developing team members rather than controlling every detail. Yet, many leaders struggle to find the right balance between guiding their teams and stepping back enough to allow autonomy. Micromanagement can stifle creativity and motivation, while too little involvement may leave teams feeling unsupported. This post explores how leaders can empower their teams effectively without falling into the trap of

By Philip Burgess | UX Research Leader Leadership is often seen as a position of authority, where managers direct tasks and ensure goals are met. Yet, the most effective leaders go beyond managing—they mentor. Moving from a manager role to a mentor role means changing how you interact with your team, focusing on growth, guidance, and long-term success. This shift can transform your leadership style and create a more engaged, capable team. A leader mentoring an employee during

By Philip Burgess | UX Research Leader Agile teams thrive when leadership focuses on supporting and enabling team members rather than directing them. Servant leadership fits naturally within Agile frameworks by putting the needs of the team first and helping individuals grow. This approach creates an environment where teams can deliver real impact through collaboration, creativity, and continuous improvement. Team collaborating in an Agile workspace What Servant Leadership Me

By Philip Burgess | UX Research Leader Leadership often brings to mind authority, control, and decision-making power. Yet, a different approach has gained attention for its focus on serving others first. Servant leadership flips traditional leadership on its head by prioritizing the growth and well-being of people and communities. This style creates environments where individuals feel valued, supported, and motivated to contribute their best. Understanding the core principles

By Philip Burgess | UX Research Leader User experience (UX) research shapes how products and services meet real human needs. Yet, the success of UX research depends not only on methods and tools but also on how teams work together. Servant leadership offers a powerful way to support UX researchers and their teams, creating an environment where everyone can contribute fully and deliver meaningful results. Servant leadership focuses on serving the team first, helping members gr

By Philip Burgess | UX Research Leader User experience (UX) research leaders play a crucial role in shaping products that truly meet user needs. Their work goes beyond gathering data; it involves guiding teams, influencing stakeholders, and driving strategic decisions. To succeed, UX research leaders must develop a specific set of skills that balance technical expertise, leadership, and communication. This post explores the core competencies every UX research leader should bu

By Philip Burgess | UX Research Leader Uncertainty challenges every part of product development, but it hits UX research especially hard. When user needs shift rapidly and data becomes less predictable, how can UX researchers guide teams toward meaningful insights? This post explores practical ways to lead UX research through ambiguous situations, helping teams stay focused and deliver value despite unclear conditions. Researcher reviewing diverse user feedback notes Understa

By Philip Burgess | UX Research Leader User experience (UX) research often gets judged by numbers: conversion rates, task completion times, or customer satisfaction scores. While these metrics are useful, they don’t tell the whole story. The true impact of UX research goes deeper, shaping product decisions, team culture, and long-term business success in ways that numbers alone cannot capture. This post explores how to measure the influence of UX research beyond traditional m

By Philip Burgess | UX Research Leader Mentorship plays a crucial role in shaping the future of UX research. As the field evolves rapidly, experienced professionals have the opportunity to guide newcomers, helping them develop skills, confidence, and leadership qualities. This post explores how mentorship fosters growth in UX research, practical ways to build effective mentor-mentee relationships, and the impact on the broader UX community. Mentor guiding a UX researcher thro