This (among other reasons) is why I quit a previous job. The head of the department would often use politics as small talk leading up to meetings while waiting

This (among other reasons) is why I quit a previous job. The head of the department would often use politics as small talk leading up to meetings while waiting for everyone to show up. There was literally no safe way to engage in the conversation- disagree, and you paint a target on your back today, agree and have a target painted on your back tomorrow when someone else is in charge (not to mention alienating people who might currently be on your team).