Manager's Cheat Sheet Pack
12 Printable Cheat Sheets for New Managers
Print them. Pin them to your wall. Open them before every meeting.
Twelve one-page cheat sheets that cover the situations you'll face every week as a new manager. Each one gives you a framework, ready-to-use scripts, and the mistakes to avoid — all on a single page you can keep on your desk.
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All 12 Cheat Sheets
One page each. Actionable from minute one. Zero filler.
Managing Up
What your boss needs from you, a weekly update template, how to deliver bad news, and how to disagree respectfully.
Running Effective Meetings
Before/during/after checklist, a 30-minute meeting template, and the one question to ask yourself weekly.
Giving Recognition
The recognition formula (What + Why + Impact), 5 ready-to-use scripts, and when to praise publicly vs. privately.
Difficult Conversations
The DEAR framework (Describe, Express, Ask, Resolve), preparation checklist, and phrases to never say.
Setting SMART Goals
The SMART breakdown with bad-to-good goal examples, 5 team goal-setting tips, and common mistakes.
Performance Reviews
Before/during/after structure, phrases to use and avoid, and the one rule that prevents surprises.
Interviewing Candidates
Best behavioral questions (STAR format), red flags vs. green flags, and questions that are illegal to ask.
Onboarding New Employees
Before Day 1 prep, a Day 1 checklist, Week 1 goals, and the buddy system explained.
Time Management
The Eisenhower Matrix, 5 time blocking rules, meeting audit questions, and the 2-minute rule.
Building Psychological Safety
5 daily behaviors that build it, "say this / not that" scripts, and warning signs your team doesn't feel safe.
Managing Remote & Hybrid Teams
Async vs. sync communication rules, 5 remote meeting best practices, how to spot disengagement, and hybrid-specific tips.
Avoiding Burnout
Warning signs, the "manager tax" that drains you, a 2-minute weekly energy audit, and boundaries that actually work.
Not Just Another PDF Pack
Every cheat sheet fits on a single page. Print it, pin it, done. No 40-page ebook you'll never finish.
From managing up to avoiding burnout. Covers the full scope of being a first-time manager.
Frameworks, scripts, and checklists. No inspirational quotes. No "it depends." Just the answer.
Is This For You?
This pack is for you if:
- You want quick-reference answers, not long reads
- You like printing things and keeping them on your desk
- You're a new manager who needs frameworks for common situations
- You want something you can glance at before a meeting
- You prefer "here's the formula" over "here's an essay"
This is probably not for you if:
- You want an in-depth, week-by-week action plan (try the Playbook)
- You want editable templates you can type into
- You're looking for deep theory on each topic
- You prefer digital-only tools (these are designed to print)
How Managers Actually Use These
Before a difficult conversation: pull out the DEAR framework card. Know exactly what to say and what to avoid.
Monday morning: glance at your Managing Up card before sending your weekly update to your boss.
Performance review week: pin the review card to your monitor. Walk in prepared, walk out confident.
Sunday evening dread: check the Avoiding Burnout card. Run the 2-minute energy audit. Protect your week.
Frequently Asked Questions
What format is the file?
One PDF file, 15 pages — a cover page, table of contents, 12 cheat sheets, and a back cover. Designed for printing (US Letter size) but looks great on screen too. Print all 12 or just the ones you need.
Can I edit them?
The PDF is read-only by design — these are reference cards, not templates. If you want editable documents, check out our First 90 Days Playbook or 1-on-1 Meeting Kit.
How is this different from the 6 cards in the Playbook?
Completely different topics. The Playbook cards cover Feedback (SBI), 1-on-1 Meetings, Delegation, Conflict, Saying No, and Your First Week. This pack covers 12 new topics: Managing Up, Running Meetings, Recognition, Difficult Conversations (DEAR), SMART Goals, Performance Reviews, Interviewing, Onboarding, Time Management, Psychological Safety, Remote/Hybrid Teams, and Avoiding Burnout. Zero overlap.
Should I get this or the Playbook?
Different tools for different needs. The Playbook is a 13-week guided action plan you work through over time. The Cheat Sheet Pack is a set of quick-reference cards you keep on your desk and use whenever you need them. Many managers use both.
Can I print them?
Absolutely — that's what they're designed for. Print all 12, or just the ones you need this week. They're formatted for standard US Letter paper.
Do I get free updates?
Yes. If we update or add cheat sheets, you'll get the new version at no extra cost.
Is there a refund policy?
Due to the digital nature of the product, we don't offer refunds after download. But if you have any issues, email hello@firsttimemanagers.com and we'll make it right.
- 12 cheat sheets — one for every situation
- The exact words to say (and avoid)
- Print one before your next meeting
- Look prepared even when you're not
- Instant download — use it in 2 minutes
Secure checkout powered by Lemon Squeezy.