A young woman gives feedback to another
Leadership & HR
30.01.2026 Isabel Hempel 67264

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 Best Practice: Health and Wellbeing at Messe München

Photo: Messe München GmbH
Leadership & HR
26.03.2025 Christin Müller 5463

Best Practice: Health and Wellbeing at Messe München

Messe München is one of the world's leading trade fair organizers. Angelika Kaiser, Talent Broker and Development Manager with a focus on "Health and Wellbeing" at Messe München, has been developing innovative health concepts for its 700 employees for 20 years. In this interview, she talks about the challenges of the trade fair business and how she can provide employees with the best possible support, even in uncertain times. (Photo: Messe München GmbH)

"At the end of the day, it is crucial that our employees can work with good energy"

How long have you been offering health services in the company?

Angelika Kaiser: I organized my first health day 20 years ago. It was still brand new back then. We sat in our business outfits in a conference room and did fitness exercises with a Theraband under the guidance of a trainer (laughs). 

Over the years, our approach has evolved and we have greatly expanded the "Health and Wellbeing" area .

What specifically has changed since 2004?

Angelika Kaiser: When we started out, the focus was on physical health. Today, we take a holistic approach that also includes awareness of issues such as burnout and mindfulness . 

We have set up our own health studio, which is a central component of our "Health and Wellbeing". Sports scientists with many years of extensive practical experience work there. They not only provide fitness programs, but also cater to the individual needs of employees

What makes the health studio at Messe München so special?

Angelika Kaiser: Our health studio was set up in 2018 in a warehouse that had become vacant. It is located directly on our premises, so employees don't have to travel any further. The studio has a modern industrial design and employees can attend a variety of courses. Before they train, they receive a briefing and the trainers draw up individual training plans.

The health studio and an "extra physio room" offer everything you need to stay healthy and fit. In addition to classic fitness classes such as yoga and Pilates, we offer special programs for mental health. A trainer, who is also trained as a coach, integrates mental training into his sessions and looks at the exact causes of back pain, for example. These are often not purely physical in nature.

The combination of physical training and mental support is therefore very important to us.


The health studio offers everything the sporty heart desires. Photo: Messe München GmbH
 

What other health offers are available at Messe München?

Angelika Kaiser: In the health area, we offer a wide range of health activities and impulses. Our trainers visit employees at the workplace, for example, to ensure that they are sitting ergonomically correctly and which exercises they can incorporate directly at the workplace. 

Another key aspect is the topic of wellbeing, which is becoming increasingly important. On our learning portal, the Messe München Campus, for example, we provide video impulses and offer 15-minute mindfulness impulses. 

We also recommend books and link to relevant offers such as those of the pme Familienservice and exciting conferences.


Employees can find lots of health tips on the Messe München Campus learning portal.

 

We also have special offers for employees who have to deal with high levels of stress.
One example of our initiatives is the Mental Health Week, in which we provide new impetus, such as constellation work and neurobiology, to promote a better understanding of physical and mental processes. An AI-based coaching tool, another option for promoting resilience, is a brand new addition to the program.

Every employee has a different approach to health - some find it through sport, others through mindfulness or conversations. Some employees prefer quick solutions for self-help, while others seek support through exchange. We offer the opportunity to combine all of these aspects.

What are the biggest challenges for your employees in their day-to-day work?

Angelika Kaiser: Physical fitness, stress, burnout and mental health are key topics. The stress levels caused by the high density of events are a major challenge, which is why we offer a wide range of different activities to raise awareness of self-care. It is important to me that employees realize where their limits are.

Another point is the compatibility of family and career, especially for our more than 60 percent female employees, many of whom are in management positions. Their issue is not time management and organization, they are all highly organized. Rather, it is important to create a culture that enables our women to pursue their professional ambitions without their role as a mother being pushed into the background. 

This is not about part-time models, which we have as a matter of course, but about a clear attitude as a company. That is why we will be offering more on the topic of family-friendly team culture next year.


Messe München has a wide range of "Health and Wellbeing" offers for its employees. Photo: Messe München GmbH

How do you support your employees in times of crisis?

Angelika Kaiser: In today's society, many people are characterized by fears and we try to create an understanding of where these fears come from. I am also a systemic coach and hypnosis coach. As a person of trust, I conduct individual counseling sessions on all topics that concern our employees.

Lately, I've noticed that the conversations are becoming more in-depth. More and more young people, for example, are coming to me with serious issues such as eating disorders, depression or sleep disorders , which was not so common 20 years ago.

With my traditional knowledge, I keep reaching my limits. That's why I'm currently training to become atrauma-sensitive coach so that I can better address the deep problems of our employees. But there are also cases where I refer them directly to pme Familienservice .

What developments in the Health division are you particularly proud of?

Angelika Kaiser: I am proud that we have successfully established the topics of health and wellbeing in recent years. There is a growing awareness of mental health in the company, and our health studio not only offers a wide range of fitness and mental health activities, but also a place to network. 

An awareness has manifested that mental health goes hand in hand with physical health. I still remember sitting in a room with my singing bowl 15 years ago and being ridiculed. Today, mindfulness isa recognized topic and I am pleased that we have been able to advance this together.

All this is only possible because employee health is pushed enormously by the management and I can try out lots of new things, even if they don't meet with the expected approval.

What projects are you planning for the future?

Angelika Kaiser: In the context of generation management, we have already implemented or are planning several exciting projects, such as the coaching journey "Lebensreise Lebensmitte", parent coaching and offers for employees aged 55 and over. 

It is important to us to continuously promote mental health and ensure that our employees can work in a positive environment. We will certainly also focus more on women's health .

At the end of the day, it is crucial that our employees can work with good energy. We want to create an environment in which they can be healthy and creative without being burdened by personal problems. If necessary, we also support them through the pme Familienservice.