Manager Survival Kit: 9 Plain-English HR Templates for Real Managers

HR tools that don't sound like HR.

This is the Manager Survival Kit — the toolkit I wish I'd had as a new manager. Plain-English templates for handling write-ups, PIPs, coaching conversations, and terminations without sounding like a lawyer or making a mess of it.

Built from 20+ years of real HR experience in construction, roofing, and home services. No corporate fluff. No legal jargon. Just usable tools.

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WHAT'S INCLUDED — 9 templates + bonus reference guide:

✓ Employee Write-Up Template

✓ Performance Improvement Plan (PIP) Template

✓ Coaching Conversation Guide (with actual scripts)

✓ Coaching Note Template (the step before formal discipline)

✓ Recap Email Template (3 versions for different situations)

✓ Before You Terminate Checklist

✓ Manager Cheat Sheet (one-page quick reference)

✓ Real Examples (strong vs. weak documentation, side-by-side)

✓ Filled-In PIP Example (with annotations explaining what works)

BONUS: Final Pay Laws by State (50-state reference, updated 2026)

Plus: Welcome guide + Google Docs access links

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WHO THIS IS FOR:

→ Small business owners with no HR department

→ New managers who weren't trained on the hard stuff

→ Operations managers in trades, field, and home service industries

→ Anyone who has had to handle a tough conversation and thought "I don't know what to say"

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WHAT YOU GET:

- Instant download — files are ready immediately after purchase

- Editable Word documents (.docx) — open in Microsoft Word

- Google Docs links — for editing online (no Word required)

- A welcome doc walking you through everything

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WHY THIS IS DIFFERENT:

Most HR templates on Etsy are written by lawyers, for lawyers. They sound like a corporate handbook and don't help when you're standing on a job site trying to handle a missed shift, a quality issue, or a hard conversation.

This is the opposite. Plain language. Real situations. Tools you can actually use.

Every template includes "what NOT to say" examples. The Coaching Guide gives you actual scripts for when conversations go sideways — when someone cries, blames others, or threatens to quit. The PIP Example shows you a fully filled-in plan with notes on what makes it defensible.

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INSTANT DOWNLOAD:

Files are delivered the moment your payment processes. No waiting. No shipping. Open them in Word or save copies to Google Docs and edit there.

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DISCLAIMER: These templates are provided for informational and operational use only. They do not constitute legal advice. Employment law varies by state, country, and situation. Before terminating an employee, finalizing an offer, conducting a background check, or handling a sensitive matter consult a qualified employment attorney or your HR/legal counsel.

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ALL SALES ARE FINAL — digital downloads cannot be returned, but if you have any issue with your files, message me and I'll make it right.

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Questions before you buy? Email me. I'm a real person and I read every message.