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Difference between Project Manager and Project Lead
The role of a project lead and a project manager is to complete a given project successfully. Many people think that the responsibilities of both roles are similar but this is not the case. In this article, we will discuss the difference between project manager and project lead.
What is a Project Lead?
The project lead has the responsibility of dealing with the team and guiding them so that they can complete their tasks successfully. Their other responsibilities include ?
- Providing guidance to the team members
- Give support to the team till the time the project is completed
- Reporting to project manager
An individual having a bachelor's degree of four years and having knowledge about project management is suitable for the role. Here are a few more responsibilities of a project leader ?
- Meeting with other project leaders
- Making project reports to know about its progress
- Guide the team and engage them in the project so that the goals can be achieved
What is a Project Manager?
A project manager has full responsibility of a project from its beginning to its completion. He has to make a project plan which consists of project goals, schedules, and timelines. He also has to set the budget and has to try to complete the project within the budget. The project manager also has to take care of the risks which may occur during the project. Another responsibility of a project manager is to communicate with the stakeholders. Candidates having a bachelor's degree of four years along with a certification and experience in project management are suitable for the role.
Difference between Project Manager and Project Lead
The difference between project manager and project lead can be found in the table below ?
| Project Lead | Project Manager |
|---|---|
| Project leads are responsible for guiding the team members so that the project can be completed without any errors and on time. | Project managers make plans and schedule the project. |
| Project leads motivate the team members and make strategies so that goals can be easily achieved. | Project managers have to manage the budget and set objectives for the project. |
| Project leads are responsible for handling the project so that it can be completed on time. | Project managers focus on the results of the work done by the team. |
| Project leads have technical knowledge about the project which helps the team to complete their tasks and also resolve issues. | Project managers have to coordinate with the project leads and team members. They have to be capable of making project plans and executing them within the budget. |
| Project leads have to deal with the technical work of the project daily. | Project managers work on the whole scope of the project. |
| Project leads have to work within the scope of the project and they have to make decisions regarding any technical issues. | Project managers are responsible for taking care of the whole project so that it can be completed within the schedule and the budget. They have the authority to make decisions as and when required |
| Project leads have to report to the project managers and have to deal with the technicalities of a project. | Project managers are responsible for the success of the whole project. |
Similarities between Project Lead and Project Manager
There are a few similarities between the project lead and project manager which can be found below ?
Leadership
Project leads and project managers should have leadership skills. Project leads deal with technical issues while project managers should have strategic leadership skills.
Problem-Solving Skills
Project leads and project managers should have problem-solving skills so that they can help the team members to get rid of any kind of technical or other issues.
Project Goals
Both roles are responsible for achieving the project goals that have been set by the project manager.
Team Collaboration
Project leads and project managers should have collaboration skills so that the team can focus on the schedule, budget, and goals of the project. They also have to communicate with the senior management, stakeholders, and project coordinators.
Conclusion
Project leads and project managers have important roles in managing and completing a project. Project leads have to deal with the technical issues and they also have to lead the team and guide them so that all the technical problems can be resolved. Project managers are responsible for the completion and execution of the whole project.
FAQs on Project Manager Vs. Project Lead
1. What are the responsibilities of a project lead?
The responsibilities of a project lead are as follows ?
- Guiding the team
- Resolving technical issues
- Providing technical guidance
- Providing guidance to the team members
- Give support to the team till the time the project is completed
- Meeting with other project leaders
- Making project reports to know about its progress
Guide the team and engage them in the project so that the goals can be achieved
2. What type of educational qualification is needed to become a project manager?
An individual who wants to become a project manager should have a bachelor's degree of four years in any field along with a certification in project management like PMP. He should also have the experience of handling different types of projects.
3. Who is responsible for managing the budget of a project?
Project managers are responsible for setting the budget and have to take care that the project is built within the set budget. Project leads have to guide and motivate the team so that they can be engaged in the project and complete it within the time and budget.
4. Who has to deal with the project from start to completion?
Project managers are responsible for taking care of the project from start to completion and execution of the project. He has to make the project plan, set goals, set a budget, and schedule the deadline.
5. Are there any similarities between project leads and project managers?
Yes, there are many similarities between project leads and project managers. Both of them should have leadership skills, problem-solving skills, achieve project goals, and collaborate with the team.
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