Do you want unbiased opinions or do you seek to influence opinions before they are given?

I prefer to know what people “really” think. It’s probably part of my pathology, but that’s the way it is. Because of that, I go out of my way not to try to influence an opinion in any way except by doing the best work I can.

Other people will do their work, but then they’ll sell it. They’ll pump themselves up and advertise how good their work is before anyone else even offers an opinion.

I mistrust that kind of person, because it makes me think they trying to gloss over work that won’t stand up on its own. That’s why I won’t do that kind of thing, except for work (where I’m really selling something other than myself).

Which do you prefer? How do you present yourself? Are you a seller or a waiter? Why do you take the approach you take? And since forced choices aren’t realistic, if you land in between these poles, when do you use each of the strategies?