Free manager resources for new Managers

The CEO isn’t here to save you

I operate on a simple principle: you have to do what you can with what you have. Let’s be honest, rare are the companies that actually prepare new managers for their duties. Most just hand over the title and hope for the best. To fill that gap, I’ve compiled a list of free manager resources that I personally find useful for new managers

---

Manager Resources for Performance Management

Performance management is what makes your team deliver results consistently. It ties goal-setting to the actual output. Here we list some templates and checklists that you can use for your next performance evaluation.

Performance Review template : This resource from collage is a simple table with the basics of what shoud have : what do you assess, and the rating.
👉 Access the form here

Employee Review template from AIHR : A more corporate template that gathers both KPIs and comeptency evaluations
👉 Access the form here

Performance Evaluation Checklist This checklist from SUNY Geneseo is an excellent resource to help you successfully navigate the performance evaluation process. This checklist gives an overview of the three major components to the performance evaluation process. Use it to support your preparation of the review.
👉 Access the file here

---

Manager Resources for Feedback and Team Development

IDPs, one-on-ones, coaching, feedback, it adds up fast. These team development processes often feel like a massive burden. Here are free manager resources that help to streamline the work and focus on the conversation.

Giving tough feedback Sometimes giving feedback can be quite pressuring. And you are the new manager and new to the team. This template from the University of Michigan explains the structure to deliver a tough feedback with methodology . 
👉 Download and access the file here

IDP template : IDPs or Individual development plans aim support employee growth. This template from Huneety is particularly practical because it focuses on learning through real on-the-job opportunities, not just formal training.”
👉 Access the template here

One on One meeting template : One-on-one meetings are non-negotiable, even for new managers. They are your best opportunity to truly understand your team members. If you are looking for a simple framework to structure and document these conversations, Canva has done an excellent job with their template.
👉 Access the template here

---

Manager Resources for Hiring & Onboarding

Hiring is a continuous part of management. Whether you are defining a new role or assessing a new hire’s probation, you need the right tools. Here is a collection of essential templates to cover every part of the process.

Monday Simon Recruitment Process: We also developed a short, practical recruitment guide. It outlines the key steps you need to know and includes downloadable templates to support your hiring process.
👉 Read the Monday Simon Recruitment Process

The interview question guide : Don’t rely on memory. This Harvard guide offers a structured interview walkthrough with specific fields to document your evaluation, ensuring a fair process for every candidate.
👉 Access the checklist here

Probation Assessment We found a probation assessment form that will be a helpful asset. Access the file from Aberystwyth University Students’ Union to track and document the probation assessment.
👉 Access the file here

---

GPTs for Managers

GPTs for Managers A collection of purpose-built GPTs designed to help managers work faster and better. Instead of crafting prompts from scratch, each GPT focuses on a real management workflow—goal setting, feedback, coaching, competency mapping, job descriptions, and interviews so you can save time and get higher-quality outputs instantly. I consider these GTPs useful manager resources to in both time and efficiency.

GPT for Goal Setting

• Turn unclear objectives into structured SMART goals
• Translate priorities into OKRs or KPIs
• Build Individual Development Plans aligned with performance needs 
  👉 GPT for Goal Setting

GPT for One-on-Ones & Coaching

• Prepare effective one-on-one conversations
• Open meaningful career discussions with your team
• Coach employees using practical frameworks 
  👉 GPT for One-on-Ones

GPT for Competencies & Career Paths

• Identify competency requirements for specific job roles
• Map skill and competency gaps
• Suggest career progression pathways and development steps 
  👉 GPT for Competency Development

GPT for Difficult Feedback & Reactions

• How to respond when an employee cries
• How to handle anger or emotional pushback in a feedback session
• How to address “yes-to-please-you” behaviour and ensure real commitment 
  👉 GPT for Difficult Situations

GPT for Job Descriptions

• Rewrite and improve existing job descriptions
• Map competencies to each role
• Create complete job descriptions from scratch 
  👉 GPT for Job Descriptions

GPT for Interviews

• Generate structured interview questions based on the role
• Evaluate candidates and identify green flags / red flags
• Prepare for interviews with tailored scripts and scoring criteria 
  👉 GPT for Interviews

---

Useful Websites

Some websites you can access useful resources that are specialized for managers:

• Management Center : A library of practical sheets and templates for setting goals, delegating tasks, and managing time without the usual corporate fluff.
• Manager Tools : A go-to resource for actionable guidance on the behaviors that make a manager effective. Useful if you want the “how,” not just the “why.”
• Monday Simon : Access to my library and templates designed to help new managers succeed.
• Ask a Manager: A community on Manager – Employee personnel issues, complete with real tips you can use to survive difficult conversations.

---

Top Reddit Threads for New Managers

Here are the 3 top Reddit threads about questions for managers:

1. How effective are your one on one with your employees? 
2. Is people development part of manager’s job? 
3. Bad Metrics, Good Employee.

---

Conclusion

Having the right tools is half the battle. The other half is actually using them. Stop waiting for the ‘perfect time’ to fix your processes. Download these manager resources and do not hesitate to contact me if you require further support.