Has anyone ever complained about the manager to higher management?

[RedskyThisNight]

As per title really. My manager is, not split hairs, useless. He has zero interest in his staff leaving them to get on with things with no support. If you escalate anything to him he tells you to sort the problem out himself. He doesn't communicate so no one has any idea about long term strategy or plans. Staff morale in the team is basically zero.

However, the only time he does make any effort is when it's something visible to higher management - so consequently they all think he is great.

I have been looking for another job, but I actually really like my current one (other than the manager) so I don't see why one person who is poor at his job should force me out. But will complaining about him achieve anything or will it just be career limiting and make things even more awkward?

I feel like I could have written this post myself not too long ago.

I was in a similar situation. Enjoyed my job, liked my colleagues, but my manager was just awful as a person and awful at her job.

Senior management were made aware numerous times by my colleagues. Our morale was so low.

Unfortunately, I did end up resigning and again raised the issue upon my resignation.

The problem is, senior management often don't want to intervene and rock the boat. Especially at a small company where there isn't much movement to move people out of roles that they are unsuitable for.

My advice would be to find work elsewhere for the sake of your mental health.

Have you actually told manager how you feel as a first step?

In my experience it's unlikely to get you anywhere if the senior managers like your manager and think a good job is being done. He is obviously ticking their boxes.

I would look for another job, this one sounds unlikely to turn into anything fulfilling.

Absolutely. I have raised all my concerns over and over and over. (I have a list and make a note as to when I last raised a particular point and whether it might be time to bring it up again). I've tried various methods of communication (t'internet tells me the solution to dealing with a difficult manager is to understand their communication style). I have got to the point where I don't think he is capable of changing. But I know that if I raised it with higher management it would have to start as constructive suggestions for improvements rather than "he's so useless I can't work with him any more".

I am starting to think another job might be the only option.

Yes I did, and the level of management above them. It was taken seriously (public sector) and every point was upheld.
There was no formal action taken as a result but I got a great deal of satisfaction in knowing that they all had a very uncomfortable 3-4 hour interview with the senior where they tried and failed to justify their behaviour

Not directly, but have asked for "support" with someone at his level on how to handle things I was struggling with and they eventually escalated it. He obviously had his cards marked as I quickly saw a change in behaviour, they were moved into another made up project role with no subordinates, and left the company soon after.