What I learned, don't trust managers, period. They are either kept in the dark as well or they are in on whatever is coming down the pipe in front of the fan.
Do your job as best as you can. When management tells you something, think of the worse out come and how it will affect you. If it doesn't happen, be surprised by not having to deal with the worse outcome. If it comes true, you know you were right.
Above all else, don't trust management.
Posted originally by @c6+1jy8vwm7k - well said.