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The Best Ways to Give and Receive Feedback

Communication is a key component of teamwork. In order to get tasks completed, team members need to be able to communicate clearly and effectively. An important aspect of communication is giving and receiving feedback. When someone on your team could improve or change the way they are doing something, how can you share that in a helpful and positive way? If someone on the team gives you feedback about your performance, how should you respond? Both of these are significant components of effective communication and teamwork.

Giving Feedback

1. Stay Focused
Provide feedback that is directly focused on the issue or the situation at hand. Do not discuss side issues or aspects of the receiver’s personality.

2. Be Clear and Specific
Be clear about the issue and what could be done differently. Do not talk around the issue, but get right to the point and be specific so that the receiver is not confused.

3. Timely Delivery
It is best to provide feedback as quickly as possible. If the feedback is delayed for too long, the receiver may have trouble recalling the details of the situation. Immediate feedback will generally be most effective.

4. Best Timing
Although immediate feedback is important, there are times when the moment is not the best. If emotions are high and the receiver is angry and upset, it may be best to defer the discussion but make sure to have the conversation soon.

5. Mind Your Tone
When providing negative feedback, avoid accusing the receiver. The basis for negative feedback should be how it impacted you and your point of view. This feedback is not attacking the receiver or blaming them, but shares your own feelings.

6. Positivity
As you provide feedback, come from the place of wanting what is best for the receiver. The goal is to help them succeed and even if the feedback is negative, encourage the receiver that you are looking for ways to help them improve.

7. Practice, Practice, Practice
As a leader or team contributor it is important to continue to give feedback, even if it is not always well received. It is a method to help others grow and to help the team succeed – so it is important to continue giving it.

Receiving Feedback

1. Be Open
Recognize that feedback is for your benefit and will only help you grow. Be a person who is open to the ideas of others, recognizing that you don’t have all the answers. Recognize that others on your team have a lot to offer and be a person who is open to feedback.

2. Listen
Instead of jumping to conclusions or immediately forming your response in your mind, stop yourself and really listen to the feedback.

3. Ask
Ask questions if you do not understand the feedback or if you need clarification. This will also help the giver know that you are listening and are trying to understand.

4. Control
When someone has negative feedback, it is easy to get defensive and feel attacked. Control those feelings and consider their point of view. Let their feedback be something that inspires you to improve and change. If you control your defensiveness, they will probably be more willing to provide feedback in the future.

5. Verify
If you have received feedback and are not sure if it is accurate, take the time to ask questions and do the research to see if that approach is best. Be willing to consider the feedback but also double-check its validity if necessary.


AMA Executive Conference Centers offer some of the industry’s best executive meeting and conference venues. We work to help companies and corporate planners across the U.S. facilitate meetings with the best possible outcomes. Contact us today to see how we can help in planning your next meeting in Atlanta, New York, Washington DC or San Francisco.

Bike The Right Way In These AMA Center Cities

Commuting by bike is both healthier and more enjoyable than sitting in traffic 5 days a week. Whether you own a bike or don’t own a bike, there are so many great reasons for biking to work, for fun, or for seeing a new city when traveling. Atlanta, San Francisco, New York City, and Washington DC all have city bike share programs that give you the opportunity to rent one of hundreds of bikes around their cities.

New York City

With a fleet of 12,000 bikes across 60 neighborhoods, New York City’s Citi Bike is the nation’s largest bike share program. Pick up a bike from one of the network’s 750 docking stations. Return it to a docking station near the destination. Three dollars buys a 30-minute ride. If you want to continue using Citi Bike after Bike Week is over, we suggest purchasing an annual pass for $169.

Atlanta

An app is not required to use Relay, Atlanta’s bike share program. Relay’s online map helps you find and reserve a nearby bike. You can also find and reserve a bike with the Social Bicycles app. When you get to your reserved bike, you’ll need to unlock it with the PIN you received when you purchased your rideshare time. After your ride, return the bike to a station near your destination. While you can pay as you go for $3.50 per ride, a $15 monthly makes it less expensive to ride all year round.

San Francisco

Ford GoBike has a network of 7,000 bikes that operates throughout the Bay area. Reserving a bike to pick up at one of the 540 docking stations is easy with the Ford GoBike app. Currently, there’s a promotion to pay $2 for 30-minute trips. Buying a monthly pass for $15 may be more cost effective if you plan to bike more during the spring and summer months.

Washington, DC

The Capital Bikeshare program is the most affordable of all the above cities. This program operates a fleet of 4,300 bikes throughout the Washington Metropolitan Area.  Since there are over 500 docking stations, the online map or app should show a bike to reserve near your home or workplace. Single trips under 30 minutes are $2.


If you’re in New York, Atlanta, San Francisco or Washington DC for business, you’re in luck – AMA has an executive conference center within all 4 of these cities! Each conference center has complimentary beverages, free LCD and PC use, executive chairs, spaces for small and large groups, and no service charges. We know the ins and outs of training sessions, business meetings, corporate receptions, focus groups, and board meetings. We take care of the meeting space, you take care of business. Click here to contact us for booking information.

 

Top Attractions To Visit While In Washington DC

Washington DC, a compact city defined by imposing neoclassical buildings and monuments, is a premier tourist attraction. A visit to this city will give you the opportunity to see iconic buildings that house the federal government’s three branches which includes the Supreme Court, the White House and the United States Capitol. The area is also rife with performing-arts venues, iconic museums, world-class eateries, lush parklands and hundreds of delightful attractions.

Get the most out of your next visit to our AMA Executive Conference Center in Washington DC by extending your stay and enjoying some attractions. Enjoy our complete guide on the top 10 attractions to visit once you arrive here:

1. The United States Capitol

Most widely known as the Capitol Building, the United States Capitol is where the U.S. Congress meets. If you want to visit the House of Representatives or the Senate when they are in session, all you need is to obtain a free passé from congressmen’s office. Learn more by visiting The Capitol’s visitor center website.

2. The White House

The White House is a well-secured place where the current United States President resides. It is also where the President hosts leaders of foreign countries. The first US President to live and welcome dignitaries in the White House was John Adams. There are several self-guided tours in the area for visitors who plan to visit the White House – however, public tour requests must be submitted through one’s Member of Congress. For more information visit the White House online.

3. The Lincoln Memorial

The Lincoln Memorial is an important monument built to honor Abraham Lincoln, the 16th president of the United States. A big statue of the late Abraham Lincoln is erected on the center of the Greek Doric style temple. The monument is open complimentary 24 hours a day for visitors from all over the world to see.

4. National Air and Space Museum

Known as the NASM, the National Air and Space Museum is one of the most frequently visited museums in the world. The museum preserves a wide selection of classic air and spacecraft objects such as the original 1903 Wright Brothers plane. In addition to the exhibits, the museum also contains an IMAX theatre, the Albert Einstein Planetarium and the Public Observatory. Admission is free, for more information about visiting hours click onto NASM’s website.

5. Supreme Court of the United States

This highest court in the U.S. is also another top attraction you can visit in Washington DC. You can tour the building to listen to the proceedings of the court or attend a free lecture about the building’s history. To view available and ongoing lectures visit them online for more information.

6. Georgetown and the Waterfront

The bustling street of Georgetown is a place to be when you want to shop while you are in Washington DC. You can also stroll through the Waterfront to watch the stunning views of the Potomac River. If you want to fill your stomach, you can do so at one of the restaurants overlooking the water.

7. National Mall

The National Mall is also another top attraction to visit while in Washington DC. The mall is located in downtown and stretches on the west from the Potomac River to the U.S. Capitol building. It is the top tourist attraction in Washington attracting millions of visitors from across the world each year. There are no fees to experience the National Mall – visit their site online for information on the best routes for navigating your visit.

8. National Zoological Park

The National Zoo is home to more than 2,000 different reptiles, birds and animals. Some of the unique animals you will find in the area include White-Naped Cranes, Cheetahs, Asian Elephants, Sumatran Tigers, Red Pandas, Western Lowland Gorillas, and North Island Brown Kiwis. The zoo is a frequently visited thanks to its leadership in areas of animal care, and the quality of experience visitors get. Unlike most other zoos, the National Zoo has free admission.

9. The World War II Memorial

The Lincoln Memorial and Washington Monument flank the World War II Memorial. The monument which features stone architecture and bronze sculptures was built to honor the United States soldiers that died in the World War II. This memorial is free and open to the public 24 hours a day.

10. National Gallery of Art

The National Gallery of Art is housed in two separate buildings connected by a tunnel. It is one of the most renowned art museums in the United States. The museum features a wide range of European and American decorative arts, sculpture and paintings, and admission is always complimentary.

Meeting Venues In Washington DC

If you are looking for a meeting or conference venue in Washington DC, then look no further. AMA Executive Conference Centers offer a unique network of venues located in Washington DC, Atlanta, New York and San Francisco. Each venue is structured to meet the planning and hosting needs of both planners and executives. For more information about meeting at an AMA Executive Conference Center connect with us online.

Simplify Your Life With These TED Talks

For the average person, life is becoming increasingly complex. Our days are busy, our task lists are full, and prioritization isn’t just a choice, it’s a necessity. Nonetheless, some people have rejected this lifestyle as an inevitability. What if you could simplify your life, accomplish more, and find greater fulfillment? Here are a few of our favorite TED Talks to help you do just that!

A Rich Life With Less Stuff by the Minimalists

These two friends have gained prominence in the past few years for their eschewing of materialism, consumerism, and the traditional life path. Their suggestion? Focus less on material goods, seek out your passion, simplify your life, and find happiness.

As Work Gets More Complex, 6 Rules To Simplify
by Yves Morieux

In Yves Morieux’s discussion of the workplace, he discusses how traditional approaches to solving workplace problems have become too complex. Rather, he favors six rules to increase efficiencies, simplify processes, and improve performance and fulfillment among employees.

Sweat The Small Stuff by Rory Sutherland

Applicable to both professional and personal challenges, this talk takes a humorous approach to problem-solving. Sutherland’s discussion focuses on how big problems can be solved by simple solutions, rather than applying maximum force. The end state is decreased stress, fewer resources required, and better solutions.

All It Takes Is 10 Mindful Minutes by Andy Puddicombe

This talk discusses the power of mindfulness and encourages the execution of the simplest task: doing nothing. Specifically, it encourages the power of 10 minutes of daily meditation to simplify thoughts, improve focus, and slow down.

While these TED Talks are just the tip of the iceberg, it’s a great start towards slowing down and simplifying your life. At AMA Executive Conference Centers, we are passionate about helping employees maximize their time and improve their work-life harmony. For more information about our executive meeting services and conference centers in Atlanta, New York City, San Francisco and Washington DC, contact us here.

Don’t Waste Time: Plan Meetings That Are Effective and Engaging

It’s no secret that attending meetings can often become an unpopular activity with employees. Increasingly hectic work schedules combined with the decreased attention span of the millennial population has made it even more difficult to run productive internal meetings. Nonetheless, meetings are often an important part of running a successful business. It’s not too late to change your meeting tactics, engage your employees, and increase productivity. Here are some novel ideas to help you do just that.

Engage All Employees In The Conversation

One of the most frustrating habits that a manager leading a meeting can have is talking at the group, rather than with the group. This quickly leads to inattention and frustration. Rather, a suggested tactic is “call on people gently and strategically.” Evaluate who would be a relevant participant in the topic, and then invite them to speak. Not only will this involve employees, it will increase the flow of ideas.

Encourage And Show Empathy

In order to receive meaningful feedback, it is critical to ensure employees feel comfortable enough to speak without judgment. This allows people to offer their ideas as well as “act as individual agents of change.” Not only will your organization flourish, but employees will begin to flourish as well.

Set Ground Rules And Stick To Them

There is nothing like a manager who sets policies but never adheres to them. Employees not only regard their manager in a negative light, but they are unlikely to follow the policies themselves. It is important to structure a meeting to provide expectation management; that said, ground rules must be taken seriously. For example, try a no-device policy that is coupled with a time limit on the meeting. Tech-free meetings are often more focused and therefore, tasks are accomplished more quickly. These types of policies are effective in engaging your office population, if they are properly adhered to.

Keep Meetings Small

A major point of frustration in many offices is the experience of sitting through a meeting that is irrelevant. It is important for those leading and scheduling meetings to keep them thin, inviting only the necessary participants. Many successful companies adhere to this model, and the result is increased efficiency. Do your best to only bring in critical participants – you can always reconvene if you need different inputs.

These tactics are great for small gatherings, large meetings, and even conferences. Here at AMA Executive Conference Centers, our top priority is helping deliver effective meeting solutions to leaders and professionals. We look forward to the opportunity to host your next meeting at one of our Centers in Atlanta, New York, Washington DC, and San Francisco. For more information, contact us here.

3 Guidelines That Will Change How You Plan

Meeting planning is so much more difficult than many people think, and if you don’t keep on top of every detail, you can easily become overwhelmed and wind up in a time crunch. Thankfully, there are ways to avoid this. Follow these major guidelines below and never dread your planning deadlines again!

Start Early

This can’t be emphasized enough: you need to begin planning as soon as possible, ideally a year or more before, but definitely as soon as the meeting date is defined. Everything – finding a venue, hiring event staff – everything will be more difficult, and more time-consuming the longer you wait. Give yourself and your clients a break and give yourself plenty of time to set up a checklist of things to do, and put that checklist in the form of a timeline that you share with your clients as well. That way, everybody is on the same page and knows what needs to be taken care of and when.

Use Technology

Let technology do the heavy lifting for you. Nowadays there are numerous ways in which the herculean task of meeting planning can be made easier by utilizing the proper software, project management apps, and marketing automation tools. On average, companies that use planning software save themselves a whopping 223 hours per year.

Focus

You may think you’re great at multi-tasking and that in fact, you’re being more efficient by doing so. However, recent research conducted by Stanford University refutes that notion. According to the study, high multi-taskers were more prone to distraction and had less retention than low multi-taskers. Distraction is a primary time-wasters, so it’s clear that an ability to focus rather than to spread yourself too thin trying to do many things at once will be far more efficient. If necessary, delegate tasks so you can keep laser-focused.

If you take these tips onboard, you’ll find your days go more smoothly and your deadlines won’t loom over you. To ease your burden even more, click here to contact with AMA Executive Conference Centers and lock down your venue meeting dates for Atlanta, New York City, San Francisco and Washington DC!

• • •

See Washington DC With These Free Walking Tours

If you’re visiting the AMA Executive Conference Center in the Washington DC area, you’re bound to want to see some of the sites as well. There’s plenty to experience in this wonderfully historic part of our country, and no better way to see them then by some of the free walking toursoffered around the city. All you’ll need is a good pair of walking shoes, a bottle of water, and the time to learn about some of our history.

The National Mall Tour

This tour allows you to walk the popular National Mall, while visiting each of the memorials located there. Those include, the Washington Monument and the Lincoln Memorial. The tour lasts approximately two hours and is about a mile long, with plenty of places to rest along the way. Click here to learn more about this tour. 

All In One Tour

Encompassing the National Mall, this tour also includes more of the famous DC monuments and parks. Because there’s so much more involved, this tour is about four hours long and covers just over two miles of walking. There are plenty of places for refreshments and bathroom breaks along the way. Click here to learn more about this tour.

Old Town Alexandria

If you like old houses and historic settings, this is the tour for you. This tour will take you along the old streets of Alexandria – in the locations where our forefathers walked. It lasts about two hours and is a little over a mile long. Similar to this tour is the Historic Georgetown Tour, only located in a different part of the city. Click here to learn more about the Old Town Alexandria tour. 

If you’re wanting to visit some grand old places in the nation’s capital then get moving with one of these walking tours!


Are you considering where to host your next conference or meeting in Washington DC, Atlanta, San Francisco or New York? Contact us to learn more about the AMA Executive Conference Centers. We’re here to help you make the most of your meeting!

• • •

2019 National Cherry Blossom Festival in Washington DC

There is no better way to celebrate the arrival of spring than attending the nation’s three-week long National Cherry Blossom Festival in Washington, DC, to admire the 3,000+ cherry blossom trees in full bloom. The festival, which runs this year from March 20 to April 13, produces and coordinates a large variety of events throughout the weeks in honor of both Japanese and American cultures and the natural beauty of the surrounding landscape.

Cherry Blossom Tours

Whether you enjoy the relaxing narration and live band entertainment of the Odyssey cruise as you sail past the famous cherry blossom trees and historic DC monuments or bike through a sea of pink and white blossoms surrounding the Potomac Tidal Basis with Blossoms by Bike, a guided tour of the beautified region is certainly a must. Visit the Tour Provider section of the National Cherry Blossom Festival website to plan any number of provided tours.

National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade

On April 13, 2019, the National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade will overtake Constitution Avenue – From 7th to 17th Streets in one of DC’s largest spectator events complete with giant colorful helium balloons, celebrity performers, marching bands, beautiful floats, and talented performers just to name a few. The once a year experience is unlike any other of the DC area with easy access to the one-mile length of the parade from multiple metro stations. Occurring from 10 am to 12 noon, the parade route is open to the public and free apart from if you wish to purchase Grandstand seating.

Petalpalooza

On April 6, 2019, Petalpalooza, formerly known as Southwest Waterfront Fireworks Festival, will kick off with more than eight straight hours of free entertainment complete with a beer garden, interactive art installations, and a fireworks show. Hosted by the District Wharf, this exciting event has activities sure to please all age groups.


AMA’s Washington Area Conference Center is conveniently located within walking distance of the Yellow Line METRO stop at Crystal City and minutes from Reagan National Airport – perfect for holding your meeting and attending the events of a lifetime at the National Cherry Blossom Festival. For more information click here to contact us.

Special Spring Offers at AMA Executive Conference Centers

ATLANTA

Book Now: $500 per day for meeting space for any Atlanta Center conference or meeting being held in March and/or May 2019. Includes: basic meeting package for up to 16 people.*

Click here to learn more about our AMA Atlanta Conference Center.


SAN FRANCISCO

Limited Time Offer: Take 20% off package rates for meetings held in March 2019. Plus, if you hold a March meeting, receive 10% off package rates for meetings held April through December 2019.*

Click here to learn more about our AMA San Francisco Conference Center.


WASHINGTON, DC

March Renovation Special: Check out our newly renovated space and get 40% off meeting package rates for your March 2019 meetings. Promotion applicable to meeting package rates only and apply only to meetings held at the AMA DC area Conference Center.*

Click here to learn more about AMA Washington D.C. Conference Center.


*Offers are subject to space availability and certain restrictions apply:

Offer applicable to AMA Center in Atlanta: $500 per day for meeting space for any meetings being held in February, March and/or May 2019. Includes: Basic meeting package for up to 16 people. Restrictions: Meeting room size up to 812 square feet.

Offer applicable to AMA Center San Francisco only: 20% off valid for meeting packages only for meetings held in February 2019 or March 2019. Additional meetings booked receive 10% off package rates for meetings held April 2019 through December 27, 2019.

For AMA DC Area Center: 40% off applicable to meeting package rates only and only applicable to meetings held at AMA National Landing (DC area) only.

For Atlanta, Washington DC, and San Francisco: discounts not valid on previously booked business and not applicable to catering or additional A/V services or equipment. Not to be combined with any other offers or discounts.

Interesting Things You Didn’t Know About Atlanta, NYC, San Francisco and DC

Some of the most iconic cities in the U.S. also have some of the most fascinating histories behind them. Guess which U.S. city had the first pizzeria? We looked into Atlanta, New York City, San Francisco and Washington DC – each an AMA Executive Conference Centers city – and you’ll be amazed at some of the things that you may not have known about them!

Atlanta, Georgia, USA downtown city skyline.

ATLANTA

Let’s start on the east with Atlanta, located in Georgia, which is known as The Peach State.

  • Atlanta is home to The Varsity, which is the largest fast food drive-in in the world, established in 1928.
  • The symbol of the city is the phoenix after being burned down during the Civil War in 1864.
  • It has one of the biggest Hindu temples outside of India.
  • There are 71 streets whose names are a take on “Peachtree.”
  • Hartsfield-Jackson International Airportcurrently holds the title of world’s busiest airport.
  • Two Nobel Peace Prize winners were from Atlanta: President Jimmy Carter and Martin Luther King Jr.
New York City Financial District cityscape at dusk.

NEW YORK CITY

Now, let’s take a bite out of the Big Apple with some fun facts on this bustling city.

  • In 1886, the Statue of Liberty was given to the United States by France. It was part of their centennial celebration.
  • The New York Public Libraryis home to over 50 million books. It also currently boasts the title of the third largest library in the world.
  • The Wyckoff Farm is the oldest building in New York City, established in the 1640s.
  • The taxis in the city weren’t always their well-known yellow. In fact, they used to be red and green until 1912.
  • In 1895, the first pizzeria was opened in the United States. It was located in, you guessed it, New York City.
  • And do you know where Times Square gets its name? The New York Times!
San Francisco skyline, California, USA

SAN FRANCISCO

Let’s head west to the bright and sunny San Francisco.

  • The Chinatown in San Francisco is the oldest in North America and is home to over 100,000 people.
  • The official musical instrument of San Francisco is the accordion.
  • The ice cream and oatmeal cookie treat that’s coated in chocolate called It’s-Itwas created in San Francisco.
  • The street that is currently known as Maiden Lane used to be a red-light district and was called Morton Street.
  • Over 50 film festivals happen in San Francisco each year.
  • There’s a name for the color of the Golden Gate Bridge: International Orange.
Washington DC, USA in spring season.

WASHINGTON DC

Finally, let’s shed some light on the capital of the United States: Washington DC!

  • The streets use letters as names but are missing the letter “J.”
  • The Washington Monument is the world’s tallest obelisk.
  • Inside of the Capital Building are elevators that are only used by senators.
  • The Washington Metrois the third most busy subway system in the United States.
  • Before it was called the White House, the building was known as the President’s Palace or President’s House.
  • Washington DC is home to a unique museum called the International Spy Museum.

For more fun facts about United States cities, check out 50states.comand learn to your heart’s content. And for more facts about hosting your next meeting at an AMA Executive Conference Center in one of the above cities, click onto www.AMAconferencecenters.org.