Introduction

Frontline workers and unskilled labour teams are often the closest to your business’s daily operations and yet, they’re the most underutilised when it comes to solving problems or driving innovation.

Here’s the truth: Your best ideas for improving efficiency, safety, and customer experience might already be sitting inside your warehouse, workshop or delivery van.

You just need the right process to bring them out.

But what if the team isn’t “strategic”?

It’s a common concern, “My team aren’t ideas people.” Or “They don’t have the skills to solve these types of issues.”

What they do have is perspective.

And if you give them a clear process, a safe space to contribute, and some structure they’ll surprise you.

Here’s how to lead a productive brainstorming session that gets ideas flowing, even from team members who’ve never been asked before.1. Set the Scene for Success

1. Set the Scene for Success

Start by creating a safe, non-judgemental environment. Many frontline workers hesitate to contribute because they’re afraid of looking silly or being shut down.

Keep the group small (under 10 people is ideal).
Use a familiar, relaxed space.
Make it clear that “all ideas are welcome.”
Praise participation—not just good ideas.

📌 Tip: Use materials like whiteboards, sticky notes, or even simple printed templates to help visualise thoughts.

2. Get Specific with the Problem

Broad questions like “How can we improve the business?” won’t work.

Instead, ask something tangible:

“How can we reduce wait times for customers?”
“What would make your job safer or easier?
“How can we save 10 minutes per shift without cutting corners?”

Drill down to one focused question per session.

3. Use Structured Techniques - That do not intimidate

Unstructured “go around the room” chats favour the loudest voices. Instead, try:

Brainwriting – Everyone writes down 3 ideas, passes them to the next person to build on. No speaking until all ideas are shared.

Round-Robin – Everyone shares one idea, no discussion until everyone has spoken.

SCAMPER Technique – Prompt creative thinking with questions like:

What could we Substitute in our process?
Can we Combine tasks to save time?

4. Capture Ideas in the Moment

Have someone write down ideas clearly.
Group similar thoughts and label themes.
Avoid deciding anything on the spot, this is about generation, not filtering.

Use colours, categories, or a digital photo of the board to capture and revisit.

5. Close with Clarity

Thank the team; emphasise the value of their input.
Let them know how the ideas will be reviewed and actioned.
Always follow up. Even if an idea isn’t used, explain why.

This builds trust, accountability, and ongoing engagement.

Why This Matters

Businesses that involve their frontline in continuous improvement not only get better ideas, they also see:

Stronger team culture
Greater ownership of outcomes
Lower resistance to change
Increased morale and retention

It’s not just about ideas. It’s about unlocking the intelligence already inside your business.

Want help setting up team-based problem solving in your workplace?

I’ve helped businesses unlock thousands in hidden profit through simple, well-run sessions like these.

Let’s have a chat.

How to Brainstorm Effectively with Frontline and Unskilled Teams