How can you build a strong professional relationship with a more experienced database administrator coworker?

1 Show respect and appreciation

One of the first steps to building a good relationship with a more experienced DBA coworker is to show respect and appreciation for their expertise, experience, and achievements. You can do this by acknowledging their contributions, asking for their opinions, and thanking them for their help. You can also express your interest in learning from them and ask them to share their insights, tips, and best practices. By showing respect and appreciation, you can demonstrate your professionalism, humility, and willingness to grow.

2 Seek feedback and advice

Another way to build a strong relationship with a more experienced DBA coworker is to seek feedback and advice on your work, projects, and goals. You can ask them to review your code, queries, or designs, and listen to their suggestions for improvement. You can also ask them for advice on how to handle challenging situations, such as performance issues, security breaches, or data recovery. By seeking feedback and advice, you can show your initiative, curiosity, and desire to improve.

3 Offer your help and support

A third way to build a strong relationship with a more experienced DBA coworker is to offer your help and support when they need it. You can do this by volunteering to assist them with their tasks, projects, or issues, and by being reliable, responsive, and cooperative. You can also offer to share your knowledge, skills, or resources with them, especially if you have expertise or experience in areas that they don't. By offering your help and support, you can show your generosity, teamwork, and value.

4 Communicate effectively and respectfully

A fourth way to build a strong relationship with a more experienced DBA coworker is to communicate effectively and respectfully with them. You can do this by using clear, concise, and polite language, and by avoiding jargon, slang, or sarcasm. You can also use appropriate channels and tools, such as email, phone, chat, or SQL , and follow the norms and etiquette of your workplace. You can also give and receive constructive criticism, praise, and feedback, and avoid gossip, rumors, or complaints. By communicating effectively and respectfully, you can show your maturity, professionalism, and respect.

5 Learn from their mistakes and successes

A fifth way to build a strong relationship with a more experienced DBA coworker is to learn from their mistakes and successes. You can do this by observing how they handle errors, failures, or setbacks, and how they recover, learn, and improve from them. You can also observe how they achieve results, goals, or recognition, and how they celebrate, share, and acknowledge them. By learning from their mistakes and successes, you can show your adaptability, resilience, and ambition.

6 Find common ground and interests

A sixth way to build a strong relationship with a more experienced DBA coworker is to find common ground and interests with them. You can do this by discovering what they are passionate about, both professionally and personally, and by sharing your own passions, hobbies, or interests. You can also engage in casual conversations, jokes, or stories, and by joining them in social events, activities, or groups. By finding common ground and interests, you can show your personality, rapport, and friendship.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?