Aug 23, 2011
Aug 23, 2011
Outstanding DBAs Make Relationships a Priority
In our open all hours global working world, do you ever wonder if perhaps the technology that is supposed to be bringing us closer together is inadvertently creating a world that is instead becoming more isolated? As Database Administrators (DBAs) technology enables us to work and meet our responsibilities effectively from almost any location in(…)
Jul 12, 2011
5 Ways to Be a More Effective DBA Today
Regular readers will now that I like to talk (quite a lot) about how we can be more effective as Data Professionals. Often the advice I put out there requires a consistent effort in order to really reap the greater benefits. Take my post series 5 Days To Outstanding DBA Customer Service as an example.(…)
Jun 27, 2011
Look How Far You Have Come
A reader wrote to me over the weekend, seeking advice on behalf of their friend, who had been feeling deflated and lost on their SQL journey. Hi John, My long time friend ****** is a SQL DBA and he is feeling a bit down at the moment. He is trying to advance himself in the(…)
Jun 14, 2011
Too Many Disasters To Choose From (T-SQLTuesday)
I’m ashamed to admit that somehow this months T-SQL Tuesday has completely blindsided me, which is kind of ironic really when you consider the theme. It’s a brilliant topic this month, hosted by Allen Kinsel (Blog|Twitter), who calls for participants to Blog about Disasters. More specifically preparing for or recovering from disasters. Rather than completely miss the boat on this(…)
Jun 14, 2011
SQL Server Instant File Initialization (PQW)
Bluntly put, this is something that you always want to be taking advantage of. As a Database Administrator I’m always on the look out for Performance Quick Wins(PQW). Simple tweaks and changes that I can make to the SQL Server servers in my care that deliver immediate and measurable payback. PQWs are a great way(…)
Jun 6, 2011
Is There Something Wrong With The Database?
I can think of no other simple phrase that has the same pent up potential to ignite the most colourful of discussions amongst technical professionals. Yes, it’s Meme Monday time. A creation brought to life by Thomas Larock (Blog|Twitter) that places but a single requirement on an author and that is to write something. Surprisingly(…)
Jun 1, 2011
Start All Your Meetings in Pole Position
Let’s face it, a lot of us don’t enjoy attending meetings and can often find them to be a bit of a struggle. They may even feel like a waste of time and sometimes dare I say it, they actually are! It doesn’t have to be this way though and today I’m going to show(…)
May 24, 2011
Your DBA Role is Changing. Are you Ready?
Where do you see yourself in the future? Are you working at the same company, are you working in a similar role, does your current role even exist? “You must be the change you wish to see in the world.” - Mohandas K. Gandhi Change has always been a close companion of the technology world. Technology is(…)
May 17, 2011
What Are You Waiting For?
I know what I am waiting for. I know exactly what every SQL Server instance in my care is waiting for. Why? Because it’s my job to make SQL Server go faster. Identifying what your SQL Server Instance is waiting on will show you exactly where to look in order to make your server go(…)
Apr 26, 2011
Stop Asking and Start Making Decisions Today
Ever have one of those days where no matter how hard you try you just can’t seem to make any progress with your work? Sure you have. We all have days and moments like that. Sometimes it can feel impossible to get any real work done, with every task in your schedule requiring feedback from(…)
Apr 19, 2011
7 Essential Habits of Successful DBAs
There are many different paths you can travel on the journey to success. There is no precise route that everyone can or should follow. The environments we manage are different, our customers are different, we are each different. There are many different ways of performing our art. It’s one of the most enjoyable and rewarding(…)
Apr 10, 2011
SQLBits 8 – That’s a Wrap
This weekend saw the 8th SQLBits conference take place amidst glorious British sunshine by the sea in Brighton. For those unable to attend the event you missed out on what was easily the most outstanding SQLBits experience to be had thus far. Here are some of my highlights. There were so many fantastic sessions over(…)
Apr 4, 2011
Meme Monday
Welcome to the first Meme Monday! This idea was brought to life by Thomas Larock (Blog|Twitter). Today’s meme is “Write a SQL blog post in 11 words or less”, and here is my entry: Accidental DBA, feels lost, reaches out, discovers community. Learns, grows, shares. We all started out at the beginning. Realising quickly that there’s more to(…)
Apr 1, 2011
Taking It To The Next Level
Have you set the bar high enough to ensure your success? You’re reading Taking It To The Next Level, day 5 of 5 Days to Outstanding DBA Customer Service. What prompted this journey into exploring what is Outstanding Customer Service for the Data Professional? Good Question. You can find exactly why in day 1 here. This week(…)
Mar 31, 2011
The DBAs Guide to Expectation Management
Your customers expectations are their primary measure of your success. How well are you managing them? You’re reading The DBAs Guide to Expectation Management, day 4 of 5 Days to Outstanding DBA Customer Service. What prompted this journey into exploring what is Outstanding Customer Service for the Data Professional? Good Question. You can find exactly why(…)
Mar 30, 2011
How To Really Listen
One of the most undervalued skills that an individual can possess is the ability to listen. Are you really hearing your customers? You’re reading How To Really Listen, day 3 of 5 Days to Outstanding DBA Customer Service. What prompted this journey into exploring what is Outstanding Customer Service for the Data Professional? Good Question.(…)
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