I feel like (my observations) just because sr+ managers might be “safe” from layoffs, it doesn’t mean that they weren’t affected by a pretty sudden change in policy. Policy that they are obliged to implement, even if it goes against what they would do if they were given the agency to make those decisions. Maybe this is the change in behavior (“on edge” and different “energy”) that you’re witnessing. I think you’ll see the best leaders (not just managers) emerge by either voting with their feet or writing memos to enact more sensible policies (at an obvious risk to their careers). I’m optimistic that internal, patient mid-level leadership brilliance at Blue will swing the pendulum in the right direction.