Need some advise on getting thru to a non tech manager

[Pack10]

Need some feedback. We have a manager here where I work who does not understand how and what queries are all about.
We build a lot of queries against a corporate DB2 back end database. There are hundreds of tables and he does not understand the complexity.
Does anyone else have this situation and how did you get that manager to understand what this is all about.

 

[dhookom]

I'm not sure what the issue might be. Does the manager think the queries should be easy and available any time at a moments notice? How is the manager's not understanding effecting you?

Duane
Hook'D on Access
MS Access MVP

 

[Pack10]

Yes, that is one issue. He does not understand some of the complexities in creating multiple table queries.
Also, we often get files that we compare against the tables "bang against" our mainframe tables and we often have to do prep work on the file before we use it.
For instance the account # might have a dash or a space in it. They are obtained by joining 2 fields office and account.

 

[dhookom]

I would probably document my steps from beginning to end and add durations. Add lots of details about the analysis, exploring, testing, validation, etc. Drop it on your manager the next time a "small" request comes in.

Duane
Hook'D on Access
MS Access MVP

 

[Pack10]

Thanks, thats exactly what we are doing.

 

[MajP]

I recommend chokehold, leg lock, or arm bar. Any of these techniques should get your manager to submit to your proper viewpoint.

 

[MichaelRed]

While it may be almost as bad as your current situation at the beginning, invite him to just sir with you (or others in the group) to observe the derivation of one of the 'queries'

If you / group had a previous manager who did understand your job (and he is both available and ammenable to the idea) ask him to discuss your current managers' concerns with him. Hopefully, (S)/he will be more understanding of the process and impart that to the currnet manager.



MichaelRed

 

[Pack10]

I guess having Mr. Big Bux sit down and watch me build some queries will have to happen.

 

[SkipVought]

Are you required to document your code and follow other procedures such as compliance with SEI CCMI Level x etc?

Skip,
[sub]
Just traded in my old subtlety...
for a NUANCE![/sub]

 

[gemmathehusky]

mind you - non-tech managers see through all the BS

he/she isn't interested in your software issues - he just wants some info to make money

why are the queries so hard to write?