Respect in tech isn't about hierarchy or titles — it's about competence, reliability, and professional judgment. The developers who command genuine respect aren't necessarily the loudest in meetings or the ones with the most GitHub stars. They're the people others trust to make good decisions, deliver quality work, and handle difficult situations professionally.
Building professional respect is like building reliable software: it requires consistent behavior, clear communication, and delivering what you promise. The good news is that it's entirely within your control.