16

Which is correct: support team lead or support team leader?

I think team leader should be correct since leader is a persona while lead looks more like a verb. But I see some multinational companies use team lead in their job description. Is there something I am missing?

Improve this question
3
  • Check the dictionary for "lead":thefreedictionary.com/lead a. The first or foremost position. b. One occupying such a position; a leader.
    – JeffSahol
    Commented Sep 21, 2011 at 2:51
  • True, but what is the difference, JeffSahol?
    – Thursagen
    Commented Sep 21, 2011 at 4:08
  • I meant that they are synonymous...posted as an answer, @Thursagen.
    – JeffSahol
    Commented Sep 21, 2011 at 4:36

3 Answers 3

Reset to default
12

In my experience, a team lead is appointed (by a manager), and is assumed to be taking on some leadership responsibilities in addition to his normal duties as a team member...generally for no extra pay, I might add.

In another sense, a leader is someone who "steps up" and takes on challenges and/or inspires others, regardless of whether they have the official standing to do so. I have never heard the word lead used in this sense.

Otherwise, though, the phrases "team lead" and "team leader" are synonymous.

Improve this answer
2

The only use of ‘lead’ to describe a person that the OED records is the theatrical one: one who plays the principal part in a play. I have not seen it used as a synonym for ‘leader’. ‘Support the team lead’ surely means something subtly different from ‘support the team leader’. It highlights the position and its role rather than the person occupying it.

Improve this answer
1
  • 1
    I don't think, it was meant as "support the team lead(er)", but rather "lead(er) of the support team".
    – hardmooth
    Commented Jul 6, 2020 at 4:23
0

Lead is for a leader who leads the work without authority but by influence and he/she does not have direct reports. Leader is for a leader who leads the work by having direct reports led by influence and authority together. So the difference is around having/not having direct reports

Improve this answer
2
  • Generally speaking, anyone who has direct reports will be called a Support Team Manager. Nobody in an organisation should lead without authority.
    – Chenmunka
    Commented Mar 5, 2018 at 15:23
  • citations for your answer are always helpful
    – lbf
    Commented Mar 5, 2018 at 16:15

You must log in to answer this question.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged .