Servant leadership often brings to mind images of leaders who always say yes, support their teams unconditionally, and put others’ needs first. While this approach builds trust and fosters collaboration, there are moments when saying no becomes essential. Saying no does not contradict servant leadership; instead, it strengthens it by setting boundaries, protecting resources, and guiding teams toward sustainable success. Understanding when and how to say no is a vital skill fo

By Philip Burgess | UX Research Leader When I first stepped into a leadership role, I believed that being a servant leader meant always having the right answers and making everyone feel comfortable. I quickly learned that leadership is rarely comfortable. The real challenge is sitting with discomfort—leaning into difficult conversations, facing uncertainty, and managing emotions without rushing to fix or avoid them. This skill is essential for anyone who wants to lead with em

By Philip Burgess | UX Research Leader Trust is the foundation of any strong team or community. When trust breaks down, it can feel like everything is at risk. For a servant leader, whose role is to support and serve others, broken trust presents a unique challenge. How do you continue to lead effectively when the very bond that connects you to your team is damaged? This post explores practical ways servant leaders can rebuild trust and restore healthy relationships. A weathe

By Philip Burgess | UX Research Leader Servant leadership has gained popularity as a leadership style that focuses on serving others, fostering collaboration, and prioritizing the growth and well-being of team members. It encourages leaders to listen, empathize, and support their teams rather than simply directing or commanding. Despite its emphasis on humility and service, servant leadership still requires clear expectations to function effectively. Without clear guidelines,

By Philip Burgess | UX Research Leader Leadership styles shape how teams perform, how individuals feel valued, and how goals are achieved. Two approaches that often get confused are servant leadership and people-pleasing . While both involve caring for others, their motivations and outcomes differ greatly. Understanding these differences helps leaders build stronger teams without sacrificing their own boundaries or effectiveness. What Servant Leadership Means Servant leaders

By Philip Burgess - UX Research Leader Remote and hybrid work have permanently reshaped how teams connect, collaborate, and grow. While the tools have changed, one timeless leadership model continues to stand out: servant leadership . Rooted in empathy, trust, and empowerment, servant leadership is especially powerful in distributed workplaces where face-to-face connections are limited. What is Servant Leadership? Servant leadership flips the traditional hierarchy. Instead of