A young woman gives feedback to another
Leadership & HR
30.01.2026 Isabel Hempel 69126

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 Applying for a care degree: what you need to know

Age & care
16.03.2023 Gabriele Strasser 13455

Applying for a care degree: what you need to know

Anyone applying for a care degree should be well prepared for the visit from the Medical Service of the health insurance funds. 

People in need of long-term care are entitled to benefits from long-term care insurance. In order to receive these benefits, the person in need of care (or a relative) must submit an application to their long-term care insurance - a department of their health insurance company. If a need for care is established, the benefits are paid retroactively up to the date of application. It is therefore important to submit the application as soon as possible.

The long-term care insurance then commissions the Medical Service of the Health Insurance Funds (MDK) to draw up an expert opinion on the extent of the need for long-term care. For this purpose, an assessor visits the person in need of care.

The right preparation for a visit from the medical service

A great deal depends on this visit, as the MDK's report is the basis for the care insurance company's decision on whether and what benefits the person in need of care will receive. Relatives and patients should prepare well for this appointment (which must be announced well in advance). For example, it is advisable to keep a care diary for several days in which all care activities that are relevant for the care insurance are noted. It also makes sense to talk to the patient in advance about their need for help in everyday life. Particularly important: Even if patients understandably want to present themselves in a good light, they should clearly demonstrate their need for help at the assessment appointment and not gloss over the situation in any way.

You should have these documents ready

  • Reports from the family doctor, specialists or the discharge report from the hospital, if available. 
  • Current medication plan.
  • If a care service comes, care documentation.
  • Care diary, in which you note down in advance all care activities that are relevant for care insurance.

Compensation possible in the event of delay

The long-term care insurance funds are bound by a deadline when processing applications. A maximum of 25 working days may elapse between the MDK's visit and the decision. If it takes longer, people in need of care or their relatives can claim compensation of 70 euros per week or part thereof. However, this regulation does not apply if the person in need of care lives in a care home and already has at least care level two. Or has no care level been approved at all? In such cases, people in need of care and their relatives can lodge an appeal against the decision. If this is also unsuccessful, there is always the option of going to the social court.

Appeal against the MDK's decision - how to do it

If the Medical Service rejects the application for a care degree, or if the classification is lower than expected, you can lodge an appeal within 28 calendar days. You can also lodge several appeals. If the appeal is rejected twice, the social court will decide.

  • Ask for a reason for the rejection and use this to formulate your objection.
  • The long-term care insurance fund examines the appeal and sends an expert again.
  • If the new assessment is positive, you will receive benefits from long-term care insurance retroactively from the date of the first application.
  • If you are not yet in need of care to the extent that a care degree is approved, you can submit a new application after a certain period of time.
  • You can also submit a new application for long-term care insurance benefits if your state of health changes significantly.


"A lot depends on the visit from the medical service. We recommend that people in need of care and their relatives prepare well for this appointment."

Jürgen Griesbeck, Product Manager Homecare-Eldercare, pme Familienservice Group

 

 
 
 

pme Familienservice Group - Your EAP provider since 1991

On behalf of more than 900 employers, the pme Familienservice Group supports employees in achieving a successful work-life balance and being able to work with a clear head.
The pme Familienservice Group supports employees in crises, e.g. conflicts at work, addiction or partnership problems. With a homecare eldercare service, it relieves the burden on professionals in organizing and financing care services and offers psychosocial support. The pme Academy offers seminars, workshops and coaching on the topics of personnel management and development.
You can find out more about the pme Familienservice Group here: www.familienservice.de/wer-wir-sind

 

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