Navigating the complexities of Ghostwritten Emails can be challenging. It might sound unusual, or perhaps it’s a situation you’ve yet to face. Maybe you’ve even done it for a colleague.
Picture this – your boss, in a moment of inspiration (or impatience), drafts an email for you. An email they expect you to send ‘as is’ – word for word. Just copy, paste and send – from your email address, with your name at the bottom.
The Underlying Risks of Ghostwritten Emails
You might think, ‘What’s the fuss? My boss saved me time. They had the right tone and more experience for that email’. On the surface, it seems efficient. A win-win. I understand – I’ve been there. Often, their intentions are genuine.
Ideally they would guide you through the creation of the email, provide guidance, direction, suggestion, editing, etc so that you gain that experience and are better prepared next time to do it yourself – but let’s ignore that for now.
The catch, is that if your name is at the bottom of that email, then in the eyes of everyone who reads it, those words belong to you. Every word. And while a positive, uplifting email might not raise any eyebrows, what about when the message is more contentious?
Your boss might still believe they’re assisting by crafting a challenging email. But again, the moment you stamp your name on it, the content, tone, and any subsequent repercussions are yours. It’s like wearing someone else’s clothes. If they don’t fit right or don’t suit your style, you’re the one who has to wear them out in public, not them.
Guarding Your Voice and Intentions in Ambiguous Situations
What if your boss’s intentions aren’t entirely altruistic. They might be looking for you to take a shot at someone they aren’t willing to take themselves. It could be part of a broader conflict you’re unaware of. That’s when things become tricky.
This has happened to me only once, early in my career. At the time I sent it. Now I’d push back (tactfully).
If you ever find yourself in this spot, proceed carefully.
When the proposal first comes up, suggest a middle ground. Draft the initial email, then let them refine it. This ensures the primary message mirrors your voice, but they can still tweak it. Highlight the learning opportunity for you, rather than the time-saving aspect.
Even then, the final version might not sit well with you. If you’re uneasy with their language or tone, speak up.
Remember, once you hit ‘send’, there’s no taking it back. While it might be awkward to voice concerns, the long-term respect you’ll gain (both from yourself and others) will be worth it. If you send it – you own it.