Something’s just not right

Like every DBA, I have customers that are harder to deal with than others, and I have some that are just impossible.  Now, I’m not talking about those annoying ones that ask for weird stuff, I’m talking about the ones that you just hate to work with because they’re either condescending, or rude, etc.  I’ve got 2 such customers right now.  And whenever I see their names on a meeting request I try to pawn them off onto one of my other DBAs if I can.  If I can’t though, I have to suck it up and endure the meeting myself. 

Well, I actually had meetings with both of them today.  I was able to send one of my guys to the 1st one, but I had to attend the 2nd one myself.  Now, this is a guy who typically likes to attack whatever I say.  He doesn’t just disagree with me, he actually attacks me.  So I’m sure I don’t have to tell you guys that I wasn’t looking forward to this meeting.  When I got there though, he was polite, thoughtful, and actually listened to what I said.  And believe me, I’ve learned not to say much around him unless specifically asked something because I just don’t need the fight.  So we were about to leave, and everyone else was on their way out, and he pulled me back.  Ok, here it comes… this is what I’ve been waiting for, only now there are no witnesses.  So he says to me… I just wanted to clarification on this one thing.  Exactly what do we need to backup and where does it need to be stored?  OK, I’m starting to think something’s wrong now, because this guy never admits he doesn’t know something, and in fact, spends his time telling me I don’t know what I’m talking about.

Then I get a report from my other DBA telling me that the guy in his meeting was the same way.  He just kept his mouth shut and answered questions, and that’s it.  No accusations, no insistance on ridiculous information, etc.  He just listened and went on about his day.

Now I know something’s up.  This isn’t normal and I’m trying to figure out where the real attack is coming from.  If this were chess it would be the equivalent of Bobby Fisher handing you his queen early in the game.  DON’T EVER TAKE THAT QUEEN.  So anyway, just waiting for the other shoe to fall.

3 thoughts on “Something’s just not right”

  1. Sounds like my job Sean, it’s the calm before the storm. Then hell will break loose at 4:39 PM on a Friday night before your wive’s family reunion…

Comments are closed.