How can I be an effective programming leader?

[RoboMaster]

I think you're on a great start by being humble and asking us how you can serve the team. You're not bragging about how much better you are or ranting and complaining about how bad your other programmer might be. There is a way to make the situation better with a positive attitude, so I'm glad you're trying to search for that.

You might end up having to do the brunt of the work. But don't do all of the work as if you're shoving him aside and he doesn't matter. Let him do projects that he CAN do, keep teaching him, and give him projects for what he just learned.

If you're pressed for time, try not to give him things that are above his level, or that you know you'll be constantly helping him with. This is probably tough, because there might not be much he can do without help.

Maybe you can tell him to go learn and catch up a bunch during a meeting on his own. People will suggest Java tutorials to you - have him go through a bunch of those so that he's ready for some more things.

What would be the best is if he can get an attitude for striving to learn and getting things done. Try to be happy and congratulate him when he finishes something. Let him know that it is important for the team for him to help programming. Let him know that the build season is busy and that both of you need to work to get things done in time.

Maybe you can ask him "What do you want to program? What do you think you can help with? How could I help you best with that?" Then you get feedback from him and he can have some ownership in the task.

Hope that's helpful! I was a programming leader too.