Sysadmin or developer, the advice is the same. Amen, although I'd say it of everyone who wants to be successful (CIO on down in our fields). Several times a week I'd go walk-about and hang with the supervisors and especially the line animals to see how they were doing and if there are any pain points and possible requirements (wants/needs) adjustments. It had an additional benefit. Whenever the business had an new or additional requirement (want/need), I could almost always address the possible resources we'd need right off the bat simply due to knowing the people involved (especially personalities), budget, and what we can use that's on-hand. It's something you have to work at, especially if you are as socially inept as I am.
Biting the hand that feeds IT
