领导 is the most common and versatile word for 'to lead' and 'leader' in work, team, or organizational settings. It is more formal than 头 (tóu, 'boss') but less formal than 领袖 (lǐngxiù, 'statesman-like leader'). As a verb, it focuses on guiding and directing a group, unlike 领先 (lǐngxiān, 'to be ahead in a competition') or 率领 (shuàilǐng, 'to command troops/delegations').