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 Reviewtemplate : 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 ChecklistThis checklist fromSUNY Geneseois 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 feedbackSometimes giving feedback can be quite pressuring. And you are the new manager and new to the team. This template from theUniversity of Michiganexplains the structure to deliver a tough feedback with methodology . 👉Download and access the file here
IDPtemplate: 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 SimonRecruitment 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 AssessmentWe found a probation assessment form that will be a helpful asset. Access the file fromAberystwyth University Students’ Unionto track and document the probation assessment. 👉Access the file here
GPTs for Managers
GPTs for ManagersA 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
GPT for One-on-Ones & Coaching
GPT for Competencies & Career Paths
GPT for Difficult Feedback & Reactions
GPT for Job Descriptions
GPT for Interviews
Useful Websites
Some websites you can access useful resources that are specialized for managers:
Top Reddit Threads for New Managers
Here are the 3 top Reddit threads about questions for managers:
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.
MORE MANAGER DEVELOPMENT RESOURCES
This article is part of our manager development resources, where we share practical guidance on performance, team development, feedback, and hiring in real organizations.
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