A young woman gives feedback to another
Leadership & HR
30.01.2026 Isabel Hempel 68906

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 Corona and puberty - a generation in lockdown

Schoolchildren greet each other with masks and elbows.
19.03.2021 Kerstin Kuchmetzki 5865

Lockdown and puberty - how parents can provide support

Young people largely adhere to the corona measures

Young people are better than their reputation. The SINUS Youth Study 2020 has shown that, for the most part, young people are complying with the coronavirus measures and acting responsibly. In the vast majority of cases, they are prepared to cut back when it comes to their lifestyle, meetings with friends and other things that were once taken for granted. They usually do this out of a sense of responsibility for their fellow human beings, be it their own family, older people around them or society as a whole.

 

Corona and puberty are a toxic combination

In times of corona, the life of an adolescent is particularly difficult, because corona and puberty are a toxic combination! This developmental phase is all about gaining autonomy, setting yourself apart from your parents and developing your own rules. But corona is throwing a spanner in the works: instead of finding their own way, they have to be with their parents all the time because of the lockdown - even though they are actually only interested in their friends.

pme parent advisor Kyra Wetzel also emphasizes that the lack of social contact is particularly difficult for young people. For young people, the peer group, together with the family, is the most important pillar in their lives. They miss their freedom and the ease of life. Every day is the same, there is little variety. This fosters a feeling of loneliness and a loss of impartiality. What's more, control and restrictions are particularly annoying at this age. However, it is precisely now that parents have to take responsibility for the coronavirus-related restrictions imposed on their children.

Conflicts in the family increase during the coronavirus crisis Kyra Wetzel reports that conflicts in families have increased during the coronavirus period. Families are spending much more time together. Added to this are the excessive demands and stress caused by homeschooling and working from home. The lack of variety in everyday life exacerbates the situation. The family is completely thrown back on itself. Conflicts that you might have been able to avoid before now escalate much more easily and new ones arise. This takes its toll, as all family members are under a lot of stress and frustration in their own way, and nerves are understandably often frayed.

 

Anxiety, depression and eating disorders as consequences of corona

The lack of structure provided by school in particular also has an impact. Developmental neuropsychologist Anja Karlmeier from the Bodelschwingh Foundation Bethel emphasizes that the brain development of children and young people is inextricably linked to their social and societal development, i.e. the opportunities they have to develop in family, school and leisure time. The school closures and contact restrictions therefore have direct consequences.

The COPSY (Corona and Psyche) study by the University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf shows that more than 70% of the children and adolescents surveyed feel emotionally burdened by the corona crisis. This is reflected in anxiety, stress and depression, among other things. Psychosomatic clinics are currently receiving an increasing number of adolescents who are struggling with eating disorders, anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorders. There are young people who are becoming more and more withdrawn and hardly leave the house or react with obsessive-compulsive disorders such as excessive hand washing. As paradoxical as it sounds, this is an attempt to regain control.

 

Media consumption by young people in lockdown

So young people suffer immensely in these times. But how do parents deal with this situation when the potential for conflict is already high? How do you organize family life? And should rules on media consumption etc. be maintained or should the leash be loosened?

Kyra Wetzel advises deciding together with the family when to have a media-free time. An outright ban or strict rules will lead to more conflict in most cases. Not all media consumption is the same. A distinction must be made between leisure, learning and information consumption. Young people have a right to participate in cultural life and a right to access the media. Parents should therefore carefully consider how much time their children are allowed to spend in their alternative media environment.
As parents, you should also offer alternatives. This could be a walk together, a games evening or cooking together. And: As parents, be a role model and pay attention to how you use digital media yourself. Clear agreements made together strengthen the relationship and trust between parents and young people and prevent conflicts.

The coronavirus pandemic and all the resulting measures affect us all. However, it is necessary to take a special look at the next generation, who should be setting the course for a successful adult life right now. This precious time is characterized by isolation, loneliness and restrictions due to the coronavirus crisis. The young people of today are the backbone of our society and the decision-makers of tomorrow. They should therefore have the best possible conditions to develop well.

 

Kyra Wetzel is a parenting consultant at pme Familienservice in the Stuttgart branch and is also responsible for the Concierge, Relocation & Outplacement product area

 

 

 

You may also be interested in these articles:
Corona: How the lockdown is putting children under psychological strain
School at home - how to make it work!

Mental consequences of the lockdown - are we at risk of burnout? 

Good grades at school: online tutoring with bidi

 

pme assistance - Our advice for parents

From pregnancy and birth to the child's adulthood - every phase has its upsides and challenges. Our team of social pedagogues, educators and parent counselors supports parents in every phase and takes the pressure off everyday professional and private life.

Find out more: www.familienservice.de/web/pme-assistance/elternberatung

 

Sources:

https://www.barmer.de/gesundheit-verstehen/coronavirus/sinus-studie-corona-248390


https://www.zeit.de/gesellschaft/familie/2020-07/kinder-corona-krise-psychische-folgen-entwicklungspsychologie


https://www.uke.de/kliniken-institute/kliniken/kinder-und-jugendpsychiatrie-psychotherapie-und-psychosomatik/forschung/arbeitsgruppen/child-public-health/forschung/copsy-studie.html