What is the difference between to lead and to assist?

Answer 1

To lead someone is to direct someone in a particular direction. A leader has a sort of authoritative power. A leader shows you the way, tells you what you must do; he might give you a brief overview of how to do the task, but he will not assist you in carrying out the task.

An assistant is someone who is willing to help you figure out what you have to do. An assistant aids you, gives you support.

To remember the difference between "to lead and to assist" think of the metaphor: the leader is your boss--he's going to bark orders to you and expect you to know how to do them. He is someone with power, someone in charge of the situation. The assistant is the person to come to with all your questions. She assists, or helps you, complete the task.