I sort of think of it as not commenting on your own comments.

Like you just give your thoughts, opinions, speak your truth, explain what you experience, etc, but don't make any comments on those things.

If you make comments like, "I know I'm not perfect" then it sort of leads people, instead of them giving you their honest-to-goodness feedback.

"I know I'm not perfect" says "I think there is something wrong with my thoughts and opinions and feelings". Lemming-types will therefore automatically conclude, "There's something wrong with his thoughts and feelings."

This usually either leads good hearted people to trying to reassure you when perhaps you could use some constructive feedback, and leads predatory types to trying to take advantage of your self-doubt (like the ***hole guy in your group).

In a way if you want a good variety of feedback, you almost have to make sure you give others a chance to form their own conclusions without leading them. Then when they give you feedback, you can keep it as simple and polite as, "Thanks for giving me your perspective," if you want. You can decide for yourself whether you agree or not with their opinion.

But basically remember that you are always teaching people about yourself, just like they are always teaching you about themselves. If you want them to focus on your thoughts, then just say your thoughts. If you start verbally doubting your own thoughts, chances are other people will, too.

IME