5 Finger Feedback Template
Give structured feedback with one hand. Each finger stands for a different aspect, so praise and criticism are clear, balanced and easy to remember.
Free to start · Swiss-made · GDPR compliant
How a 5 finger feedback round works
The Collaboard template shows a hand in the center, with arrows pointing to six areas: five for the questions linked to the fingers, and one for anything else participants want to say. Each area has light blue sticky notes already in place, so everyone can start writing right away.
Explain the hand
Briefly go through the five fingers and the open question, so everyone knows what goes where.
Write silently
Everyone writes on the notes in each area, one point per note. Allow five to ten minutes.
Start with the thumb
Read the What went well area first, to set a constructive tone.
Go through the other areas
Read improvements, problems, learnings and topics that came up short, and group similar notes.
Read the open question
Look at the open question last. It often contains the most honest comments.
Draw conclusions
Agree on one or two changes for the next session and share them with the group.
What is 5 finger feedback?
5 finger feedback uses the five fingers of a hand as a memory aid for structured feedback. Each finger stands for one question, so participants give balanced feedback that covers what went well as well as what needs to change. It's quick, easy to explain and works at the end of almost any session.
The questions of the template
- Thumb: What went well? What worked and should stay.
- Index finger: What could be improved? Concrete suggestions for next time.
- Middle finger: What went wrong? What didn't work or was annoying.
- Ring finger: What was your biggest learning today? What participants take with them.
- Little finger: What did not get enough attention? Topics that came up short.
- Open question: What else do you want to say? Room for anything that doesn't fit elsewhere.
If you prefer a picture with four simple questions, the feedback tree is a lighter alternative.
Occasions for 5 finger feedback
- Workshop and training feedback Collect structured feedback before participants leave.
- Team retrospectives A quick alternative to classic retro formats.
- Project closings Reflect on a project with balanced questions.
- Teaching Ask students for feedback on a lesson or a course.
Taking feedback without turning it into debate
- Keep it anonymous if needed Notes without names make honest feedback easier.
- Don't discuss every note Read, group and pick the most important points. Feedback rounds that turn into debates lose their value.
- Thank, don't defend As the facilitator, take the feedback in first. Explanations can come later.
- Close the loop Show next time what changed because of the feedback.
Why Collaboard
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Made in Switzerland, with real support
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Frequently asked questions
Is the 5 finger feedback template free?
Yes, the 5 finger feedback template is free to use with a Collaboard account. The free plan includes up to 3 boards and five people per session.
What do the five fingers stand for in 5 finger feedback?
In 5 finger feedback, the thumb stands for what went well, the index finger for what could be improved, the middle finger for what went wrong, the ring finger for the biggest learning and the little finger for what didn't get enough attention. The Collaboard template adds an open question for anything else.
When should I use 5 finger feedback?
5 finger feedback is typically used at the end of a workshop, training session, project or sprint.
Can 5 finger feedback be anonymous?
Yes, 5 finger feedback can be anonymous, because participants can add notes without their names.
Does 5 finger feedback work online?
Yes, 5 finger feedback works online. Everyone adds notes to the six areas on the same board, at the same time.
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