Team Lead vs. Team Leader: What Are the Differences?

A team lead and team leader are two common titles in the business world. Though these roles share some similarities, there are several key differences between them. In this article, we discuss the differences between a team lead and team leader, and we provide additional leadership positions you may be interested in pursuing.

What is a Team Lead?

A Team Lead is responsible for leading a group of employees in a specific department or work area. They oversee day-to-day operations and ensure that employees are meeting deadlines and producing high-quality work. They may also be responsible for training and mentoring new employees. Team Leads typically report to a manager or supervisor and work closely with other leads to ensure that the department is running smoothly. In some cases, Team Leads may also be responsible for project management tasks.

What is a Team Leader?

A Team Leader is responsible for leading and coordinating a team of employees to ensure that they are working together efficiently and effectively to achieve company objectives. They develop team goals, assign tasks, monitor progress and provide feedback and support to team members. They also resolve conflicts and build team morale. Team Leaders typically report to a manager or supervisor. In some cases, they may also be responsible for training and developing team members.

Team Lead vs. Team Leader

Here are the main differences between a team lead and a team leader.

Job Duties

Team leads fulfill many of the same duties as team leaders, but they also have additional responsibilities related to managing a team. Team leads are in charge of creating and implementing a team workflow that allows them to complete their project on time. They do this by delegating tasks to their team, providing direction and feedback and monitoring each team member’s progress.

Team leaders focus more on interacting with external stakeholders, such as clients or customers. They’re responsible for ensuring the team is satisfied with their work and feels supported. This means that team leaders spend most of their time communicating with clients and other stakeholders and less time directing team members.

Job Requirements

Team leads and team leaders typically need at least a bachelor’s degree in business administration, management or another related field. Some employers prefer candidates to have a master’s degree as well, but it is not required for entry-level positions. Additionally, many team leads and team leaders pursue certifications through the Project Management Institute (PMI) or the International Institute of Business Analysis (IIBA). These organizations offer training programs that teach professionals how to lead teams and manage projects effectively.

Work Environment

A team lead typically works in an office setting, where they can collaborate with their team members and communicate effectively. They may also travel to different locations to meet with clients or attend meetings. Team leads often work full time during regular business hours, but some companies allow them to work overtime if necessary.

A team leader usually works in a field environment, such as construction or landscaping. They may spend most of their days outdoors working on projects. A team leader may also work part time or have irregular schedules depending on the needs of their company.

Skills

There are several similarities in the specific skills used on the job between team leads and team leaders. Both roles typically require excellent communication skills, as they need to be able to effectively communicate with team members and other stakeholders. They also both need to have strong organizational skills to keep track of deadlines, tasks and progress reports. Additionally, both team leads and team leaders need to be able to work well under pressure and handle stress in a healthy way.

There are also some differences in the specific skills used on the job between team leads and team leaders. Team leads may benefit from having more technical skills than team leaders, as they may be responsible for overseeing the work of engineers or other technical staff. Team leaders, on the other hand, may need more people skills than team leads, as they may be responsible for managing and motivating a team of employees.

Salary

Team leads and team leaders are two different job titles that are often used interchangeably. Team leads typically earn an average salary of $69,148 per year, while team leaders earn an average salary of $50,764 per year. The average salary for both positions may vary depending on the industry in which you work, your level of experience and the size of the company at which you work.