This is why you need to believe in ghosts

This is a ghost story that you really should read - especially if you’re in a position of leadership within a business. Because if you want to matter – and need to find, make and tell your purpose and that of your business – you can’t do it on your own.

An ultra-secretive group of some of the most talented writers you’ve never heard of met recently for the inaugural Gathering of the Ghosts, organised by Dan Gerstein and Gotham Ghostwriters . Writers, editors and thinkers who excel in telling the stories of their more famous collaborators.

Except the journalist who wrote about that meeting in this article - praising/dismissing ghosts for ‘knocking up’ material - has missed the point of what a great ghostwriter is.

In my experience in the world of business, it’s not just about retelling stories but finding a voice and sense of purpose that provides employees, shareholders, customers and stakeholders with a clearer idea of what these leaders stand for. More than ever, values need to be well-articulated within the framework of a story so that people feel inspired to take direction.

As a ghost, I’ve written speeches for politicians, books for business leaders, confessionals for celebrities, narratives for FTSE-350 firms and thought leadership for CEOs, academics, marketers and scientists. And every time I start with the same question: ‘Why do you want to do this?’

The answer to that is usually a bit obvious and bland. Much more interesting is the response to my second question: ‘Come on, I’ve not switched on the voice recorder, why do you really want to do this?’ Fame, a new job, intellectual clout, career kudos, differentiating themselves, challenging negative perceptions, fulfilling personal ambition. It doesn’t matter what the reason is but it needs a reason – a private purpose - for the ghost to weave their magic.

A ghost is there to find, then make and then tell that story. If you’re hiring one just for that last bit, you’re not utilising two of their other great skills.

#storyfinding #storymaking #storytelling

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