I downloaded this free ebook from RedGate and quickly perused it in a couple of hours; Brad McGehee lays out an interesting set of observations about what is necessary to transform from an average DBA to an exceptional one. To be honest, there weren’t any hidden secrets here; most of the book deals with personal work habits (which you probably already have or you wouldn’t be interested in being an exceptional DBA).
There were a few gems here and there, like Brad’s suggestions on how to become an MVP, as well as how to manage your career; however, even these were not necessarily new ideas, just general concepts that were slimmed down and located in a single easy-to-use guide. I don’t regret reading this book, but at the same time, I didn’t really walk away with any new insights either.
If you’re a new DBA or are planning to transition to a DBA role, you may find his overview of the career path useful. Also, if you’re just now beginning to expand your skillset, there is some basic information on how to do that. However, if you’re already working long hours solving problems and you enjoy your job, this ebook may not be the best use of your time. You’ve probably already encountered these same ideas along the way; spend your time building a network of database associates instead.
Pros:
- FREE! Can’t beat the price!
- Concise explanation of what makes a DBA “exceptional”
- Overview of community-building
Cons
- Nothing really new under the sun
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