When attempting to define what makes a good Database Administrator, understandably the focus is often placed on the technical skills that are deemed to be required. There are plenty of great resources available on the net that can be used to research this aspect.
For instance, Brent Ozar has some excellent material on his site. See “Becoming a DBA”.
However in order to become a truly exceptional database administrator a thorough technical knowledge alone can only provide the foundation. In order to function as an exceptional DBA I am of the opinion that there are a variety of desirable soft skills, a blend of which if acquired and developed, can together propel you into the ranks of excellence.
You are probably already familiar with some of these desirable soft skills and no doubt posses some too. The fact that you are reading this indicates that you have a desire to learn and develop, in itself a desirable quality.
Over the coming series I am going to be taking a closer look at the soft skills and qualities that contribute towards being an exceptional DBA, as well as proposing how to develop these qualities further.
What qualities do you feel make an exceptional database professional?
