> Yes it’s always good to not get into public arguments with the upper management

I already mentioned that running your mouth isn’t an option. Upward management is part of the job and “shut up and fall in line” isn’t upward management. Plenty of leaders manage to shield their teams from incompetent management and it is usually what is in the best interests of the company.

And there’s nothing wrong with looking out for yourself as a manager when you have responsibilities, but characterizing it as “best practices when navigating a difficult time” doesn’t sit well with me.

You’ve not answered the question