Good vs. Great DBA

[JDoyle]

A bit of philosphical musing here:
What would be the distinguishing characteristics of a good vs. really good DBA. What are the qualities that make a standout DBA? What can one do to get as good as possible as quickly as possible.?

[sreddy]

Good Q! Metoo interested to know where I stand...

[qingbo]

A good DBA is helping the company resolve database-related issues. A great DBA is being carried in the senior IT executive's pocket.

A good DBA is buying a house. A great DBA is buying a boat.

A good DBA is tuning the buffer cache. A great DBA is negotiating and asking for more disks.

A good DBA is replying to the user 'you shouldn't run this'. A great DBA is saying to the user 'I am working on to resolve it, and will you give you an answer shortly'


......

[marist89]

There are a couple of things that seperate Good DBA's from Great DBA's (in my mind):
1. Both Good DBA's and Great DBA's know the database software for which they are responsible. A great DBA will know how to apply the features of the software to the business.

2. A great DBA will know and understand the need for Process in managing the databases. A good DBA will get the job done in a timely manner but might forget what he did the next time the situation presents itself.

3. A great DBA will be able to react to an emergency without panic. When disaster strikes, a great DBA does not automatically call Oracle Support. She assesses the situation, makes a plan, and possibly confirms the plan with Oracle Support.

4. A great DBA knows that there should be at least two ways to recover at any one time. A good DBA will trust that the backups were done yesterday unless she hears different.

5. Both Good DBAs and Great DBAs don't appreciate management asking is "XYZ done yet?" A great DBA will keep management aprised of the project and manage the expections of management.

[sreddy]

Good thread from two different perspectives. Thanks guys for letting me know what Iam and what I want to be...

[Kishore]

Veryy nice thread, gives good chance to become so...

[qingbo]

A good DBA is a police. He is doing his job according to the law (ORACLE press). A great DBA is a detective. He doesn't trust any rule and he is always digging, digging and digging.

Good DBAs work for companies. Great DBA works for himself, as independent consultant.

I'm still struggling as a cop, right now, dealing with an accident.

[sreddy]

We can't avoid accidents, all we can do is having Detectives to help Cops if their are struggle continues and we do have 'em here... So, what are we talking about ?

"dbasupport" is analogous to "law enforcement" or what ?

[rcaballe]

2 cents.
A good DBA:
-Everything you think is a have to be. or good to be
A great DBA:
Who is recognized by other departments and they know he is working in benefit of themself and the Company.