This editorial was originally published on Nov 4, 2008. It is being republished as Steve is out of town.

As many of you read this, it will be morning in Colorado and I should be taking my two kids, 7 and 9, to vote with me and see how the democratic process works here in the US. It's Election Day and it's the chance for most people here to cast their votes for who they want to represent them over the next few years. I take pride in my vote and as little as I otherwise participate in politics, I cherish the right to cast a vote and participate in the democratic process.

In our jobs we don't really have the same right to vote on many decisions and how things are run, but we do have (arguable) more of a chance to influence what those decisions will be. By arguing our viewpoint, by giving both facts and opinions, we're more like lobbyists and have a real opportunity to convince the decision makers of what we think is the best decision on any particular topic.

This ability to make your opinion known is valuable and it's an ability that you should take the opportunity to use. Often I see too many people unwilling, or even afraid, to express their opinion in a meeting, over lunch, or many other places where a decision maker is present. For whatever their reason, they don't take the chance to make their feelings known publicly, though they often will do so in smaller groups and privately. And when a decision make is not present.

I know not everyone has a boss that will listen or even behave rationally when making decisions, but I think that everyone should take the opportunity and present their opinion if they have one in that situation. Most managers I know, even those that think they know everything, will at least listen to what their subordinates have to say. They may not agree with you or be swayed by your argument, but they should listen.

I think it's part of being professional to state your opinion and try to convince others of what you think is the best course of action. Even if your idea isn't chosen, you've shown that you are thinking about the business and that you are willing to participate in the running of the company. I've had my ideas ignored as often as they've been implemented, and in all cases, I've learned something and become a better employee for bringing them forward.

There are plenty of squeaky wheels like me that are willing to speak out and even attempt to drown out the other voices, but it's all talk. If you think there is an idea or issue that your boss should consider, take the time to bring it up and take advantages of your ability to cast your own "vote" inside the company.

Steve Jones

The Voice of the DBA Podcasts

The podcast feeds are now available at sqlservercentral.mevio.com to get better bandwidth and maybe a little more exposure :). Comments are definitely appreciated and wanted, and you can get feeds from there.

Overall RSS Feed: or now on iTunes!

• Windows Media Podcast - 40MB WMV
• iPod Video Podcast - 31MB MP4
• MP3 Audio Podcast - 6.3MB

Today's podcast features music by Everyday Jones. No relation, but I stumbled on to them and really like the music. Support this great duo at www.everydayjones.com.

I really appreciate and value feedback on the podcasts. Let us know what you like, don't like, or even send in ideas for the show. If you'd like to comment, post something here. The boss will be sure to read it.