August 15, 2013 at 7:50 am
I think this post is relevant here and I am curious to know DBAs thoughts on facing the toughest customers. How do you manage it?
This is not something technical but would like to see everyone's experiences with their toughest customers:-)
“If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader.” -- John Quincy Adams
August 15, 2013 at 7:59 am
How do you define customers. In various roles, I always considered the person or group that I was delivering to as a customer. Sometimes the developers are customers - I want them to never think about a DB going offline, or having capacity issues, or having performance issues. I am currently in an architecture role, and I want the busness analysts to know that the data model we create will meet their needs.
August 15, 2013 at 11:33 am
Shortest possible answer, do your best.
There is no easy way to deal with people who are unreasonable. But, work your communication skills. Develop a tough skin. Do what you can. But I know I've had fights over the phone and in person when people just go too far. These are best avoided (although, once or twice I've had them work out in my favor, but that's rare). Most important thing, know what you're talking about. Nothing will lose respect faster than being wrong with someone who is already hard to deal with.
----------------------------------------------------The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood... Theodore RooseveltThe Scary DBAAuthor of: SQL Server 2017 Query Performance Tuning, 5th Edition and SQL Server Execution Plans, 3rd EditionProduct Evangelist for Red Gate Software
August 19, 2013 at 12:57 pm
Most important thing, know what you're talking about. Nothing will lose respect faster than being wrong with someone who is already hard to deal with.
That is one of the best pieces of advice I've ever seen regarding difficult people.
I would add keeping your own behavior in the relationship beyond reproach. Losing the moral high ground to someone with a character issue can haunt you for a long, long time.
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