I've been thinking about respect  lately in the context of software testing. "R-e-s-p-e-c-t, find out what it means to me!"  Sing it with me now.  

Nine years ago when I started ProtoTest, testers as a group didn't get much respect from developers or management.  Over the years, that has changed for the better in many organizations.  For one thing, as the software industry matures, both the producers and consumers of software seem to value quality more.   They are less impressed with software in general (familiarity breeds contempt?) but more impressed with software that works as expected, reliably and securely.   The role testers play in delivering higher quality software garners them some respect. 

But what can you say about those testers who earn the greatest respect?  IMHO, a few things.

They are intellectually honest.  They speak clearly about what they know, what they don't know, and what they suspect but can't prove (yet).   They don't try to spin the truth.

They understand that they are part of a business.  That means they know their industry or domain, and they appreciate that context is the key to selecting the appropriate approach and making effective business decisions.  It's never just about the technology.

Finally, they invest in themselves.  The best test professionals are constantly learning - new tools, new strategies, new techniques.  They are never content with same-old, same-old.  They are too passionate about software quality to be complacent.