Likely the biggest management problem I have dealt with in my career is the false presumption by various IT workers that technologies and data are "theirs". That somehow they were hired to "oversee" these company assets. In fact, they were hired to serve. Thats what IT workers do. In virtually all cases, we are secondary in our work to the front-line business. Our job is essentially to help other people do their job - to serve their needs for data, and the things they need to get done with data.

I have run into DBA's with (what I call) a "Caesar complex" and these people don't last long. I am not interested in excuses as to why a staff member cant have data or software they need to get their work done, and I have watched a number of times as egocentric DBA's seem shocked when I dress them down reminding them that our "clients" are in fact, our coworkers, and our primary goal is to serve them and enhance their abilities to do their jobs.

Data, software, hardware, and most technologies in the work place are assets of the company NOT the DBA or any IT worker. Those assets are there to assist those who need them to get work done and make profit for the company. Security concerns are not without importance, but at the bottom the line, any company has an IT staff to serve - not to conquer and hold.

If you work for my IT department, leave your ego and your "power" at the door and come in and serve our company staff. Otherwise, keep your resume up to date because you're going to need it.