How To Be A Successful DBA

I just read Thomas LaRock's article, How to become an effective database administrator, published on ITProPortal. I like his list of five things database administrators (DBAs) should "understand and embrace" to be effective in today's world of complex databases. These key five objectives are:

1. Gain a full understanding of your organization's business objectives

2. Become a security expert

3. Know how to maintain availability and continuity

4. Understand the cloud

5. Improve response time

I recommend you read the full article for great tips. Others have compiled similar lists. Back in 2005, Joshua Guttman, listed the following 9 Habits of Highly Effective DBAs:

Here are two more articles on what makes a good DBA. In 8 Traits of Highly Effective DBAs, by Ayman El-Ghazali and published by Infusive Solutions, Inc., he lists the following eight skills needed for effective DBAs:

In 5 Ways to Be a More Effective DBA Today, John Sansom (aka SQLBrit) says these five things will help you be a more effective DBA:

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What's missing from these lists? Let me know if you have an idea that hasn't been mentioned that you believe is important to your success as a DBA.