A young woman gives feedback to another
Leadership & HR
30.01.2026 Isabel Hempel 68872

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 Emotional reset – start the new year with ease

Young woman dancing happily
Body & Soul
14.01.2026 Christin Müller 15959

Emotional reset – start the new year with ease

New year, new resolutions: Many people resolve to exercise more, eat healthier, or finally clean out the basement. However, there is one question they rarely ask themselves: What is going on inside me? 

Working people in particular are familiar with this: a new year begins, the calendar is fresh, goals are defined—but internally, many things are still "unresolved": old worries, unresolved conflicts, high work pressure, family burdens, constant stress. 

An emotional reset can help you to recognize this inner baggage, sort through it, and let it go within realistic limits—allowing you to start the new year with a clearer mind. 

Read more in this article:

What is an emotional reset—and what is it not? 

We know the term "reset" from technology: restarting something after it has "frozen."

Applied to the emotional level, an emotional reset means: 

You consciously examine your emotional situation and make decisions about what could relieve you and what you would like to prioritize differently in the future. 

An emotional reset is therefore a conscious emotional restart that can help you regain clarity, stability, and the ability to act. 

Specifically, this means: 

  • pause,
  • look instead of just functioning,
  • Distinguish: What can stay? What can/must be reduced or removed? 

Equally important is what an emotional reset is not: 

  • No "getting rid of" unpleasant feelings 
  • No "I'm only thinking positively now" 
  • No program to become even more efficient 


Pause, take a deep breath, restart.

Feelings such as fear, sadness, or anger are not disorders, but indicators. They show where boundaries are being crossed, needs are not being met, or something does not fit with your values. 

So you are not "broken" just because you feel exhausted, irritable, or overwhelmed. Often, there is simply too much going on at once—especially when your career, personal life, and your own expectations all come together. 

How to tell that an emotional reset could do you good 

Typical signs that your internal system is overloaded: 

  • Constant tension: Your body is constantly on alert. 
  • Irritability: You quickly become annoyed or hurt—both at work and in your private life. 
  • Emotional ups and downs: one day is full of energy, the next feels like you're burned out. 
  • Rumination: Your thoughts keep circling around the same topics in the evening or at night. 
  • Avoidance: You distract yourself a lot so as not to feel unpleasant emotions. 
  • Loss of joy: Things that you actually enjoy feel exhausting or like a chore. 

These signals show that a lot has built up. An emotional reset starts right here—with a structured but achievable look at what you are currently carrying. 

Why an emotional reset at the beginning of the year makes sense 

The beginning of the year is a natural time for reflection and reorientation: 

  • What went well last year? 
  • What caused me stress or overwhelmed me? 
  • What do I want to do differently in the new year? 

The focus is often on external issues: job, goals, organization, health, finances. An emotional reset complements this perspective with the inner level: 

  • What feelings and issues from last year am I still carrying around with me? 
  • Which situations or people have caused me particular emotional distress? 
  • What inner sentences accompany me constantly, for example: 
  •     • "I can't afford to make any mistakes."
  •     • "I have to be strong." 
  •     • "I mustn't disappoint anyone." 

This makes the beginning of the year an opportunity to consciously review not only your calendar, but also your inner focus—and to start where you need relief. 

Emotional reset in 4 steps: letting go of emotional baggage 

You don't have to turn your whole life upside down to reset your emotions. Even small, consistent steps—setting clearer boundaries, consciously questioning a thought, taking a short break seriously—can make a big difference. 


How can you lighten your load in the new year? Take stock

Try these steps individually or one after the other. 

Step 1: Pause – Take honest stock 

Take 10 to 15 minutes, preferably without interruptions. All you need is paper and a pen.
Questions to get you started: 

  • What has weighed most heavily on me emotionally over the past year? 
  • Which situations or people keep popping up in my thoughts? 
  • Which feelings have I particularly often suppressed (e.g., fear, anger, sadness, shame)? 

Write everything down without filtering it. Pay attention to repetitions—these often reveal your main themes. This step creates clarity, which is the basis for change. 

Step 2: Sorting – What should be made easier? 

Imagine you are carrying a backpack into the new year. Inside it are: 

  • Old worries 
  • Unfulfilled expectations 
  • self-criticism
  • feelings of guilt 
  • Annoyance and disappointment 

  Ask yourself: 

  • Which of these things do I no longer want to carry so heavily? 
  • Which one or two topics should take up less space in the new year? 

You don't have to solve anything right away. It's enough to clearly identify the problem, for example: 

  • "I want to feel less pressure to always be perfect." 
  • "I don't want to replay the old argument in my head every day anymore." 

This inner "Stop, not like this anymore!" is already a central step in the emotional reset. 

Step 3: Set new boundaries – reduce overload 

Emotional pressure often arises when people constantly push themselves beyond their limits—especially in their everyday working lives: 

  • Saying yes, even though inside you clearly want to say no 
  • Taking responsibility for issues that are beyond one's sphere of influence 
  • Constantly putting your own needs on the back burner 

 Ask yourself: 

  • In which areas have I regularly ignored my limits over the past year? 
  • What drained me emotionally in particular? 

 Small, concrete steps could include: 

  • Cancel or shorten an appointment 
  • Set clearer boundaries for availability (both professionally and privately) 
  • Delegate a task or start it later 
  • Say in conversation: "I can't afford that much." 

This will help you gradually reduce what is permanently overwhelming you. 

Step 4: Nurture – Make space for what is good for you 

Letting go of emotional baggage also means consciously incorporating more of what strengthens you. 

Ask yourself: 

  • What really gives me strength? 
  • When do I feel calm, clear, and authentic? 

Examples may include: 

  • Time in nature 
  • Conversations with people you feel safe with 
  • Quiet time without a screen 
  • A creative or practical activity 
  • Gentle movement 
  • Short, deliberate breaks in everyday life 

Choose something that is realistic and consciously integrate it into your weekly routine.
This will turn the emotional reset into a process that not only relieves stress but also strengthens your resilience. 

Methods that support your emotional reset 


Writing things down helps to organize your thoughts.

You don't have to let go of emotional baggage "on the spot." There are various ways to do this that are suitable for everyday life—without a rigid program.

  • Writing: Short notes or a journal help to structure thoughts and feelings.
  • Conscious breaks: short interruptions in your daily routine during which you don't have to react, but can just take a deep breath. 
  • Conversations: Talk to people you trust or seek professional help (e.g., counseling, coaching). 
  • Exercise: walks , taking the stairs instead of the elevator, simple stretching exercises—any form of exercise helps reduce stress. 
  • Body awareness: Briefly noticing how you sit, stand, and breathe can help you reconnect with yourself. 
  • Tapping (acupressure tapping): Tapping , also known as acupressure tapping, is much more than just first aid in tense moments. The method is an effective tool for actively working through emotional baggage and gradually letting it go. 
  • By gently tapping certain points while focusing inwardly on a stressful issue, you can gradually reduce its emotional intensity. This allows you to permanently change deeply ingrained patterns—instead of just managing them.
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Group coaching: Achieving greater serenity and ease with tapping

In the group coaching session "More serenity and ease with tapping," you will learn and apply a method for promoting emotional resilience. Discover how you can free yourself step by step from stressful feelings and limiting thought patterns in order to achieve a positive attitude toward life.

 

The important thing is not which method you choose, but that you give your inner signals space and take the first steps. Everything else can develop at your own pace and in a way that suits your life. 

Health impulses with the pme "Healthy Bites"

Looking for a small portion of well-being? Our "Healthy Bites" give you ideas for more relaxation, balance, activity and feel-good moments in your everyday work and private life.

They are not a substitute for professional help from counselors and psychologists. If you are experiencing addiction problems, persistent low mood, ongoing excessive stress, or deeper mental health issues, please seek professional advice, for example from pme Familienservice Lebenslagen-Coaching (link opens in a new window).