The person who can punish criticism will eventually hear less truth.

If disagreement carries a risk, disagreement stops. Not immediately and not visibly, but people are quick to learn what costs them, and once the lesson lands, you are surrounded by agreement that tells you nothing. The most dangerous version is that it feels like consensus.

Think about the last time someone contradicted you and how you responded, including your face. If nobody has done it lately, assume it is not because you have been right, and go asking directly for the disagreement.