Hey managers: This one’s for you. We know you balance a lot every day, and we’re here to make your job easier. Regardless of the size of your team or what industry you work in, Lucidspark has templates to simplify your workflow, stay organized, and boost team efficiency. 

In this article, we’re sharing seven of our favorite free manager templates! Let’s get started.

1. Team competency matrix

Keeping track of your team's skills (and identifying knowledge gaps) with this competency matrix template is a great way to determine potential training topics or set skill benchmarks. It provides an organized visual to break down each team member's skill competency. Simply personalize it with the names of team members and competencies specific to your team, and you’ll be well on your way.

2. Team profile icebreaker

One of your largest responsibilities as a team manager is building a cohesive team. But this is easier said than done, especially when your team members are dispersed. You have to be strategic about providing time to unify the group, and this team profiles icebreaker template is a great way to get started, especially when your team is new or you’ve added members. Simply assign squares, leave time for others to fill out each section, and then share to learn new things about each other.

 

3. Workplace needs activity

Use this workplace needs activity template to gauge team members' feelings about their jobs during an annual review or 1:1. Simply edit the activity (top right of the box), if desired, and then share it with team members. They’ll drag and drop the sliders to convey their job satisfaction, then you’ll be able to see insights from all answers combined to identify what areas need improvement.

 

4. Program planning canvas

Visually align elements of a program or initiative using this planning canvas template. It provides team members with a single source of truth so everyone is on the same page. It even includes a timeline feature to map out deadlines. And as plans change, it’s easy to adjust for all collaborators in real time so you’re always working off the latest information. We’re confident it’s one of the most thorough program manager templates you’ll find.

 

5. Project management team space

If you’re looking for project manager templates, we’ve got you covered! This project management team space template helps you track progress and keep everyone aligned. With space to list out members of your team (and their tasks and pieces of ownership), details of the project, timelines, relevant documents, and associated boards and to-do lists, everything you need to make progress will be right at your fingertips.

 

6. Strategic alignment activity

This strategic alignment activity template will help you identify knowledge gaps so you can better focus on future planning and discussion. As a manager, you’ll see insights from all the responses collectively to gain a better idea of where the team is as a whole. Taking a proactive approach like this will help maximize your efficiency and build trust within your team, regardless of if you’re a product manager, a social media manager, or something else entirely.

7. Sprint planning template and team room

This sprint planning and team room template is perfect for hosting virtual sprint planning sessions and is designed to replicate a real-world team room experience. Perfect for hybrid and remote teams, it keeps all the resources you need at your fingertips for an efficient planning session. Try the included timer to stay on track while you plan with your team, and use Lucid Cards to seamlessly incorporate action items into your workflows.