Ask HN: Difference `Principal` and `Lead` in an Organzation?

They mean the same, but principal sometimes implies that the person is also a partner/owner of the business, not just an employee.

„Principal“ is borrowed from the political sphere, where it sets apart anyone elected from all those „just“ hired. In that context, it creates a hierarchy that is subtly different from the conventional. I. e. an assistant to the US President will usually have far more power than any local mayor or councilperson. But the latter may still outrank the assistant for certain questions of protocol.<p>In tech, it’s mostly synonymous.