Access to data, what is it like at other places?

[sfca]

I read both the "Getting to Yes" and "Getting Past No" books you suggested and I liked them very much, especially the "No" book.  Thanks.  One point in both of them is that one should keep in mind the alternative to negotiation.  In my case, the alternative is no data for me and so no analysis and probably a rather large cost to the company. 



Going to management has not and will not work very well because IT reports up through a completely different pyramid.  Appealing to senior management will make the IT manager angry, and the superior does not necessarily want to get involved in problems like this, and in a way it also makes me look bad because its showing I can't effectively work with someone.  There will be an upcoming meeting discussing yet another GUI he wants to slap on this thing that would address some of the issues from others here at the company, but it will not allow SQL and probably not the bulk downloads I could possibly use to create my own database.  Therefore, I will attempt some of the tactics from the "No" book and other helpful suggestions given here such as the non-threatening sounding request of a reporting database.

[kc11415]

sfca,

the steps you've already taken are something 99% are too F***ing ignorant to do.

Stupid would be forgivable, since it can't be helped.

Ignorance is not forgivable.

Regardless, you are already beyond either of those crowds.

[deeds]

SFCA - tangentially, please have a look at "Getting More" by Stuart Diamond...interesting perspective, which bears directly on the discussion.



Podcasts give the flavour:



http://www.steverrobbins.com/getitdoneguy/185-stuart-diamond-interview.htm



http://www.jasonhartman.com/cw-246-getting-more-with-stuart-diamond/



Like with most of these approaches, there are 12 key points, and the rest of the book is examples (which can be helpful).