A young woman gives feedback to another
Leadership & HR
30.01.2026 Isabel Hempel 68902

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 Lateral entry as an educator at the pme Familienservice

Young woman watches little girl
Pedagogy
23.11.2023 Gabriele Strasser 40727

Lateral entry as an educator at pme

Many roads lead to childcare center. Our team members tell us how they managed to make a career change.

Read more in this article:

pme Lernwelten offers many training opportunities in the pedagogical field: for example, as a social pedagogical assistant, educator, dual study program in childhood education, recognition internships and mandatory internships. A lateral entry is also possible in many different ways. 

Educational staff are in demand like never before. Those who work in a childcare center or crèche have the best prospects for the future, many opportunities to get involved and a fulfilling job. Even those who have no pedagogical training can sometimes work in a crèche, kindergarten or after-school care center in addition to pedagogical specialists.

And there are various ways to train or retrain as an educator later on, for example:

  • practice-integrated training,
  • part-time training,
  • the external examination.

 

"Many roads lead to childcare center! Although the regional requirements regarding qualifications vary greatly, we always find creative ways to make this dream come true in joint discussions and in cooperation with youth welfare offices, vocational colleges and universities." Stephanie Niemierza, central childcare center coordination of the pme Familienservice

Lateral entry and retraining as an educator - pme team members talk about it

In some regions, it is possible to work at childcare center without pedagogical training and to support the professionals.

The pme Familienservice employs many people who have made the transition to childcare center through temporary work or parental leave cover. For example, Annette, who got a taste of the job as a temporary employee at Locomotion Kids in Düsseldorfand joined the group on a permanent basis as a parental leave replacement. The trained graphic designer enriches the educational program with her creativity and also focuses on language and movement.  

First a vacation supervisor, then a group leader

From vacation supervisor to jumper. These were Sonja's first stations at childcare center. She previously worked in retail. Sonja also started out as a parental leave replacement. After completing a practice-integrated training course to become an educator, she is now a group leader and a representative for animal-assisted education and focuses on natural sciences. 

In order to work with children, Heike worked for the pme Familienservice as a nanny in a private household and took on emergency childcare assignments, among other things. She had always wanted to work at childcare center . After a conversation with her contacts at pme Familienservice , it finally came true. "At over 50, I've now found my dream job," says Heike. 

Teodora was successful in the PR world for many years. During a break, she came to the nursery as a temp through a friend. The management soon offered her a permanent full-time position. "I come to the facility every day with a feeling of happiness," she says. The next step in her career planning is a dual degree in social work. 

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From another country

People who come to Germany from another country often find that foreign professional and academic qualifications are not recognized. Olivia, who studied to be a teacher in Brazil, also experienced this. However, with the support of the pme Familienservice , she was able to work in a pme crèche in Bonn. After completing a two-year qualification in early childhood education, Olivia is now a group leader at childcare center, as well as a multiplier for Pikler education and house spokesperson. 

Returning to work after a long break? It's possible!

Do you have a pedagogical education, but haven't worked in the pedagogical field for a long time?

Petra also came back after a long break. When her job at childcare center was cut in the 1980s, she began training in the commercial sector on the advice of the employment agency. Hard to imagine today: back then, there were actually too many educators. After 25 years in the office, Petra felt the desire to work with children again. She was welcomed with open arms at Locomotion Kids in Düsseldorf and has now "finally arrived again!"

Career changers welcome!

"At pme-childcare centers , we benefit greatly from colleagues who come to us via lateral entry," says Stephanie Niemierza. "Many discover completely new potential in themselves. They experience how much fun it is to work in a team and decide to pursue this career path in the long term. We have already recruited many specialists this way and have had excellent experiences. Career changers have usually chosen this career path very consciously and work with a lot of heart, commitment and motivation. They often bring with them knowledge and skills from previous careers that enrich the pedagogical offering at childcare center . And at pme Familienservice , they have many opportunities to get involved". 

Retraining or further qualification: various options possible

For many people, working as a supplementary worker or kindergarten assistant is the ideal way to start working at childcare center.

If you want to go one step further later, you can complete part-time or practice-integrated training, for example to become a state-recognized educator. This type of qualification, which is offered by non-profit organizations and vocational schools, opens up career opportunities such as group management or even facility management. 

The qualification as a state-recognized educator can also be achieved through part-time training , with lessons taking place in the evenings and at weekends. The training is aimed at people who have already gained experience in the educational field but do not yet have a qualification, or at childcare workers who would like to gain further qualifications. However, the two-year course requires discipline and a high degree of personal responsibility. Our team member Mia is a drama and language teacher and has been working at pme-childcare center Bülowkids for some time. She completed the part-time training alongside her freelance work as an additional pedagogical employee in order to be able to work as a specialist.

 

Entry via non-pupil examination/external examination

The so-called non-student or external examination is a challenging way to graduate as an educator, in which you have to acquire the pedagogical content and the necessary specialist knowledge largely through self-study. Our team member Nicole chose this route. She passed her first state examination to become a secondary school teacher, but decided against the teaching profession during her traineeship. "The external exam was pretty tough. I was only given the names of the learning modules from school and had to work through all the content on my own within six months," she recalls. But she made it and has now been happily working as an educator for eight years.

We are happy to advise you!

These examples only show some of the possibilities, and the conditions for working at childcare center vary greatly from region to region. We will be happy to advise you individually if you are interested in joining one of the learning worlds atchildcare centers .

Just send a short email to lernwelten@familienservice.de. We will get back to you.

Further information:

Non-student examination
 

childcare center.de Knowledge lateral entry

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About the pme Lernwelten

As a provider of over 90 childcare and educational facilities, we offer parents and their children high-quality and flexible education. People from different nations, with diverse talents and interests, contribute to our colorful teams.

You can find our current educator vacancies here.