DBA resolutions

New Year's resolution's for a DBA

According to wikipedia, "A New Year's resolution is a tradition, most common in the Western Hemisphere but also found in the Eastern Hemisphere,

in which a person makes a promise to do an act of self-improvement...."

I’m not a particular resolutions making kind of person - I don’t think you have to wait until a new year begins to resolve to do something meaningful, but I though it would be interesting to look at some specifically aimed at DBA's.

These are based on the subjects I have touched on in previous blogs, as well as interesting articles I have read during the year (they are a mixture of personal and work goals).

• Stay curious and open to new opportunities. DBA's are expected to know everything about everything. Enjoy Technology.

• Embrace Change - change is inevitable. Roll with the punches, stay positive and do the best with what is given to you. 

• Maintain a Professional approach - it basically boils down to showing respect for others. 

• Accept Responsibility - if you mess up, fess up.

• Be realistic in terms of expectations. Things will not always work out as planned.  Every job has its good and bad points. Don't become the office whiner.

• Continue teaching developers how to work with databases. This is a win / win as the result will be better code which works with the database instead of against it.   

• Try and attend tech related events / conferences during the year. They are great ways to learn and also can help build your network.

• Learn at least one new skill during 2016. Be it a new language, a new technology or perhaps work towards a certification. Don't worry about the state of the economy, concentrate on learning new skills. If the worst happens and you get laid off, the time you invested in improving your skills will make finding a new position much easier.

• Avoid Office Politics - try not to be drawn into the games of office politics. This is a no win situation and the only outcome will be to create enemies and cause unnecessary division.

• Work on Communication Skills - the most valuable skill that someone in technology can have is the ability to communicate with others. It does not matter which area of IT you are in - it is so important that you are able to clearly express what you want, need, or expect.

• Build your Online Brand - create a website or contribute to forums and newsgroups. Don't forget to keep you social network accounts up to date (CV, etc).

• Write a blog!  It is a quick and easy way to begin sharing your knowledge and information. Keep it fresh and current.

• Very importantly, try to ensure you have the right work / life balance.

Feel free to choose one or more (or none) from the above to add to your own list.

Which ever resolutions you chose try to remember to keep them specific, realistic and attainable.

They can be small or large but hopefully they can be achieved with the necessary planning and work. 

Notes:

Some New Year's Resolutions for DBAs  - DbaPortal

What should a DBA do - XAPRB

The toughest thing for independents saying no - brentozar

The basics of personal branding - brentozar

Just say no - sqlservercentral

Building better communication skills - sqlservercentral