Confession of a Network Admin: Complacency is my biggest mistakes (and how you can avoid them!)
Admit it or not, the longer we stay in the same role managing the same job as network admin (or any role actually), there is a growing mindset that "everything is under control". Following mistake commonly follow in this situation:
1. Overconfident attitude - Experienced network admins may feel they know their networks inside and out, and start to compromise proper documentation and other processes. However, relying solely on memory or individual expertise can be risky, especially in complex environments or during personnel changes. #invest: Spend time in process and procedure upfront. In the long run, you will save invaluable time and mitigate risk accociated with knowledge gaps and people turnover.
2. "Just this one time" shortcut - If you start scoffing in this topic, that's mean we have been in that moment. As experience engineer, we know how to do "quick fix" in our configuration. Often with temporary bypass, open certain ports or protocols, sudden remote access to new device etc all for the sake of quick troubleshooting. Until we forgot what we have bypass or which unauthorized access are left open. #BeThorough: Take the extra time to follow best practices, even when under pressure.
3. The "someone else problem" - In complex organization where there are lots of domain, department, partner developer involve, we can easily trap in this attitude. And I hate it the most. Network is a chain, so when there is problem outside your domain, it will soon reach to you. #collaborate: there is no contribution too small to solve network error.
Have a great weekend ahead.