Going the extra 1.6 Kms

So… Today I thought I’d share some professional wisdom.

I’ve noticed in my working life so far that you get (roughly) two kinds of contractor/consultant.  You get the one who likes money (and nothing else) and you get the one that likes money AND likes to do a super job.  I’d like to think I’m in the blue spandex suit and red cape camp.

With that in mind, here are some of the top 5 things I do when engaging with my clients:

1. Understand their business.
2. Understand the database system – like what versions and editions are they running, where do they sit in the stack, are all maintenance plans and scripts functioning (check them out, don’t just trust job schedules or cronjob lists). 
3. Document a state of play for their system.  Provide recommendations to improve things, either business cost reductions or technical improvements.
4. Promote the latest proven technical solutions from their database vendors (Microsoft, Oracle, IBM, etc).
5. ENGAGE with the technical operations team members (like the system admins, helpdesk guys, etc). I’m amazed at how many DBAs DON’T do this.  They sit in the corner, quietly humming along.  The communication is so important and it get’s people involved and interested in what your doing.

If you struggle with written or oral communication, I’d recommend either finding someone in your organisation who is good at either or both areas, and if they are approachable, get them to mentor you.  The other option is to attend some courses, but I find the mentor solution much more effective as it keeps you focused over a sustained period, a course will overload your brain and for about a week you’ll be the best communicator in the land…. and then you’ll turn back into a bowl of jelly and wobble in the corner again…..

Another good thing to do, is upon your colleagues arrivals, greet them, ask them about their evenings (and plans for the weekend if it’s Friday).  Engage with people.  You’ll be surprised at the response you’ll get and you may even make some solid friendships in the work place on the way.

So come on people.  Go the extra 1.6 km and make the world a better place.

Peace!

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