HISTORY FOR SALE -- The heirs of Abraham Zapruder will receive $16 million from the federal government for his film of President John F. Kennedy's assassination 36 years ago. The decision, made by an arbitration panel and announced this week, is a "sign of the times," according to Temple University historian James Hilty, but not necessarily a good one. "News can be bought and sold," says Hilty, a professor of history who teaches a course on the assassination. "At a certain point the news becomes history. History should be priceless--nobody should own or possess it, or be able to buy or sell it." Hilty points out that the Zapruder family has already received compensation for the film, which was sold "within hours" of JFK's death. "History and news are now marketable items, and as an historian, I don't like to see it," he says. "It means that what we know about the news--things that happen today and in the past--depends largely on what is made available to us by people who control the market." Reach Dr. Hilty through the News Bureau, (215) 204-7476.
THINKING CREATIVELY ABOUT MEETINGS -- Whether you're the leader of a major corporation or the newly elected president of your school's PTA, running a good meeting can be a challenge. But Temple education professor Mel Silberman says a little creativity and a willingness to try new things can go a long way in making meetings both interesting--and productive. "People almost invariably dread meetings," says Silberman, author of 101 Ways to Make Meetings Active. "But they don't complain about meetings if they feel as though they are being productive and have a voice." The key to any meeting, says Silberman, is good participation, which occurs when "people are energized." Among 100 other techniques, Silberman advocates exchanging open-floor discussions, which favor "high talkers" and often cater to the biggest egos, for small break-out groups, which promote teamwork, creativity, and active discussion. Meeting leaders need to commit to taking new and different approaches--and to "selling" the techniques to participants, who often resist change, he notes. "If meeting leaders can sprinkle in some new techniques, they can work to change business as usual to business as unusual."
Reach Dr. Silberman at home, 609-924-8157, or through the News Bureau.
PICKING UP SUMMERTIME SLACK -- So half of your staff is on a beach somewhere and the other half is doing double the work. What's a boss to do? Temple human resource administration professor Gary Blau says even small gestures by employers can go a long way toward maintaining morale during shorthanded summer work weeks. "If you allow your employees to set up the best environment for them, the motivation comes through," says Blau, adding that bosses can initiate casual dress days, allow their employees to listen to their own unobtrusive music, or bring in special food treats to show their appreciation. Better yet, says Blau, hire a temp. "In most professional office environments, the work goes on, even in the summertime. Little perks can mean a lot." Reach Dr. Blau through the News Bureau.
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