Final answer:
Michelle used the brainstorming technique to gather ideas from her employees about what to include in the new facility, which was then discussed as a group. The correct option is A.
Step-by-step explanation:
Michelle is using the brainstorming technique. During the meeting with her employees, she asked them to individually take five minutes to write down their own thoughts on what the new facility should include. After collecting this information, she wrote it on the whiteboard for group discussion and decision-making.
This process of generating ideas quickly and informally, and then reviewing them for further action, is a fundamental aspect of brainstorming. It encourages creativity and the generation of a broad range of ideas without immediate critique or analysis, allowing for the free flow of thoughts and thus creating a comprehensive list of potential solutions to a problem.