How a Ghostwriter can Help Busy Executives
The ghostwriter gets facts and requirements correctly on paper. The responsibility of the signer is to put the weight of his or her name behind it, although there is more to it than simply signing. There is a heavy duty of standing by the accuracy and veracity of facts.
CREATE VALUE - DOCUMENTS AT WORK
Thang Mun Yee
9/9/20242 min read


At various stages in my work previously, I was involved in technical aspects that required application of complex formulations to derive accurate calculations. At other times, my day-to-day work called for (1) a thorough understanding of the relevant legislations and (2) their meticulous adherence in administration so as not to be in breach of fiduciary duties, which invited serious penalties and repercussions. Being hands-on in the introduction of new systems and processes in the organisation also demanded more than a comfortable level of familiarity with detailed IT specifications.
None of these would have been possible to carry out without the organisation's investment in prior training and formal education, all of which the company I worked for provided with great conviction. I gained a diverse glossary of terminology, which for the uninitiated, would be possible to seem like a minefield of occupational jargon. My job was to train my colleagues in their everyday operational use, normalising and making them accessible.
At the decision-making levels (think CEOs, MDs, Chairs etc.) in strategy and policy, it is not always possible to possess that same degree of operational familiarity. Decision makers are also commonly the escalation authority for dispute resolution. At the highest levels of communication, issued communiqué require the heft of organisational authority sign-off that come from the desk of the CEO, for example, and not some departmental head / project manager / assistant, in order to be effective. Decision makers are unlikely to have the time nor focus to get into practical operational details. Most are ably equipped with an understanding and appreciation, which guides them.
Enter the 'ghostwriter'. Quite simply, I, the ghostwriter, help with writing the communiqué, after which, the office of the appropriate authority review it before signing off. The responsibility of the ghostwriter is to get the facts and requirements correctly on paper. The responsibility of the signer is to put the weight of his or her name behind it, but there is much more to it. There is a heavy duty of standing by the accuracy and veracity of facts. Indeed, the signer questions and challenges the details presented before using them as bases for his or her decisions and policies in issues as represented in communiqué.
Ghostwriters present facts, synthesise findings and issues. They are in position to flesh out operational details, having done the research or being immersed in the operational know-how. These allow the higher-ups to support or base their decisions and discussions on them. Also, where required, to have the trust and confidence to undersign documentation, adding the weight of their names and undertaking the responsibility of bearing office.
Image source: created with Hostinger AI
Thang Mun Yee
I’m excited to deliver your message.