A young woman gives feedback to another
Leadership & HR
30.01.2026 Isabel Hempel 68873

5-finger feedback: tips for good feedback

By Darina Doubravova (Head of pme Academy) and Isabel Hempel (Editor)


Group feedback at the end of a seminar or team meeting is beneficial for everyone. We present effective methods for giving constructive feedback. For example, 5-finger feedback is a practical and easy-to-understand method for constructive feedback in teams and seminars. With the help of the five fingers, differentiated feedback on positive aspects, notable points, points of criticism, learnings, and missing points can be obtained quickly and easily. The method ensures clarity, appreciation, and improvements in everyday work. Get tips and variations on how to use it and possible alternatives here.

Giving feedback made easy:

1. Five-finger method - Each finger represents a statement

One method of giving quick and constructive feedback is the five-finger model. Each finger stands for a question that you answer in one or two sentences. Start with the tops!


 

Thumbs: I thought that was great! For example: "I particularly liked the fact that the discussions were open and constructive. The atmosphere was pleasant and everyone expressed themselves freely."

Pointing finger: I noticed that! For example. "I noticed that some topics were addressed several times. There were often similarities in the participants' observations."

Middle finger: I didn't like that! For example: "Some discussions dragged on, which made it difficult to focus on the key points. I would have liked a clearer structure here."

Ring finger: I'll take that with me! For example: "I have received valuable suggestions and new perspectives that I can incorporate into future projects."

Little finger: I didn't get enough of that! For example: "Unfortunately, there was little time for in-depth discussion of possible solutions. I would have liked some ideas to have been dealt with in more depth."

If time is short or the feedback should be more concise, only three fingers can be used, for example the thumb (positives), the ring finger (insights), the little finger (I missed that).

2. one-minute paper

Another method is the "one-minute paper" according to Werner Stangl. At the end of a team meeting, everyone receives a blank sheet of paper.

First, everyone writes all the positive feedback and thoughts on one side:

  • What have I understood?
  • What did I like?
  • What inspired/motivated me?
  • Where have I been able to work?

Any unclear or critical thoughts are written down on the back:

  • What have I not quite understood?
  • What touched me little?
  • What didn't I like?
  • What have I not been able to participate in?

An evaluation can take place immediately or at the beginning of the next meeting. The evaluation is carried out either by the manager or by a team member or participant.

Afterwards, the group's results are presented, the feedback is interpreted, and suggestions for possible changes and consequences are developed : What could be done differently next time?

3. especially for managers: How can I give feedback in difficult situations?

When it comes to addressing something that makes teamwork difficult, it is important to give feedback. But that is not so easy.

The tone must be right, and the words should be chosen wisely.

Executive coach Nina Lizon explains in this video how you, as a manager, can give constructive feedback.

 

Have fun testing these methods!

Are you familiar with our e-learning course on feedback?

It is not always easy to find the right words for constructive feedback. In our e-learning course on feedback, you can reflect on your own habits and receive helpful suggestions.

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FAQs about 5-finger feedback

What is the 5-finger feedback?

The 5-finger feedback is a structured model for quick feedback. Each finger represents a specific aspect of feedback: positive, noteworthy, criticism, insights, and missing.

How does the 5-finger feedback work in practice?

Each team member makes a brief statement about each of the five fingers. First, the positive aspects (thumb) are highlighted, followed by the other points in the order of the fingers.

When is this method particularly suitable?

The model is ideal for use at the end of meetings, workshops, seminars, or feedback sessions—especially when feedback needs to be gathered quickly and constructively.

How can I use the 5-finger feedback digitally?

The method also works via video conference, in chats, or with online whiteboards. Each participant can submit their answers in writing, and the results are discussed together.

What to do if the feedback is critical?

It is important to establish an appreciative framework and to treat criticism in a solution-oriented manner. Managers should address specific points of criticism and work with the team to formulate solutions.

zero 5 tricks to combat the winter blues

Woman enjoys the sea
Body & Soul
03.11.2025 Christin Müller 12170

5 simple tricks to combat the winter blues

Winter is just around the corner - and with it cold, gray weather and short days. It's no wonder that many people's mood and energy levels drop. You may also be feeling the winter blues slowly making itself felt. The good news: with a few simple tricks, you can get your zest for life back and actively shape the dark season.

The hormonal balance is out of kilter

We often lack daylight in winter. As a result, less of the "happiness hormone" serotonin is produced, while the sleep hormone level rises. The result: you feel listless and listless, even though you actually get enough sleep. This is the so-called winter blues - a completely normal phenomenon.

5 tips to help you overcome the winter blues quickly

1. daylight against the winter blues

Even if we have little of it in the winter months, sunlight or daylight is the number one happiness booster. If your mood is low, wrap up warm and get out into the fresh air. Your body will do the rest.

When sunlight hits human skin, the body releases happiness hormones, also known as endorphins. One of these happiness hormones is called serotonin.

It helps to increase general well-being, for example. Serotonin is produced with the help of vitamin D, which is formed when sunlight hits our skin. It is therefore advisable to fill up your vitamin D reserves during the warmer, sunnier months.

According to experts, 20 minutes of sun exposure per day is generally sufficient in Northern Europe.

Attention: If you think that going to the solarium is enough, I'm sorry to disappoint you. Although the sunbed warms our body, it has no effect on serotonin production. The desired hormone can only be produced when our eyes are open and exposed to light. However, the UV rays from the sunbed damage the eyes, so this attempt to compensate for a lack of light is strongly discouraged.

2. the right diet is important

A healthy, balanced diet helps make you happier than you might think—and I don't just mean chocolate.

tryptophan

Our brain has to produce serotonin itself. To do this, it needs the amino acid tryptophan. Foods that are true happiness boosters with a high tryptophan content include:

  • dates
  • figs
  • cashew nuts
  • Dark chocolate.

omega-3 fatty acids

A lack of omega-3 fatty acids (which are responsible for transporting tryptophan to the brain) can also contribute to the winter blues. The following foods in particular are good sources of omega-3 fatty acids:

  • types of fish
  • flaxseed
  • meat
  • dairy products
  • walnuts

vitamin D

However, a sad mood can also be caused by a lack of vitamin B reserves. These foods contain vitamin B and strengthen your nerves:

  • whole grain products
  • sesame
  • spinach
  • broccoli

tyrosine

However, there are also foods that wake you up and put you in a good mood. These contain the protein building block tyrosine. It is found, for example, in

  • lenses
  • Cheese (Parmesan, Camembert)
  • Chicken and beef
  • cashew nuts

Caution: Even if it is not harmful to eat foods that contain serotonin themselves (such as bananas), it is not enough just to eat them. Only the serotonin produced in our brain makes us happy.

3. exercise lifts the mood

Sport and exercise are real mood boosters—and you don't need an expensive gym membership to enjoy them. Often, a long walk in the fresh air is enough to clear your head.

Take advantage of the wide range of free online offerings, such as yoga classesor workouts. Maybe you feel like going dancing or to the movies again?

Tip: The most important thing is to keep moving and find something you enjoy. You will be surprised how quickly new energy and joie de vivre return when exercise becomes an integral part of your everyday life.

4. color for a better quality of life

Why wait until spring cleaning? Take a look around your home: is there anything you would like to change? A fresh coat of paint, new pillowcases, or simply decluttering— small changes can have a big impact and lift your spirits.

Tip: Avoid making changes just for the sake of it. This increases the risk of quick displeasure. It is therefore better to take small steps than too big ones.

5. learning from the children

As we rush from appointment to appointment, we often forget the simple yet beautiful things in our lives. Children are not yet familiar with this pressure and do whatever they feel like doing. So why not give in to this urge from time to time, when time allows, and see the world through the eyes of a child? You will experience new things that will make you happy—guaranteed.

Another tip: Schedule to combat the winter blues

In contrast, it also helps to create a schedule for your normal everyday life. The structure helps you to avoid getting too caught up in gloominess. Set yourself a small task to complete each day. This will increase your satisfaction and well-being.