Ghost-function

[selena15]

Hi all
i got a crazy idea
i've read in wikipedia this article : Ghostwriter

i think that the ghostwriter has extended to others area of use : ghost-function!

Not for writen but for to to do some tasks.
if i translate the definition of ghostwriter to ghost-function, it would be the following:

A ghost-function is a professional individual who is located to do task; implement a system, or establish the framework of one project that will be officially credited to another person.

the difference is that while the ghostwriter is recognized and hired basicaly to do this task, the ghost-function need would be felt later; after the attendance of a good employee within an organization and when his adding value; in camparision with another one, maybe his boss, would be notified and the use would started.

maybe i'm cynic, but IMO; if this profil is recognized; and is proposed as task to one person and he's agee to get it and happy with the pay which would be proposed for, and in his dailywork, it can contribute to keep the motivation of person and won't be demotivated because he think that he's abused

what do you think about my silly idea ? hahaha

nice week-end
Sel

 

[Jen Kirley]

What you describe happens more often than it should, but I have the philosophy that things tend to come around as they ought to do.

Suppose it happened to me: I know I still had done the project and am professionally more accomplished for it. At least some of my associates are certain to know as well; these things seldom remain secret for perpetuity. Truth has a way of coming out.

If I was to look for another placement, I would certainly list this accomplishment on my resume and arrange for a knowing associate to provide a reference for me if called upon.

One way or another, I would probably benefit eventually. Patience can help to ensure it comes around in a positive way.

 

[selena15]

Hi jennifer
many thanks to give feedback

What you describe happens more often than it should, but I have the philosophy that things tend to come around as they ought to do.

Suppose it happened to me: I know I still had done the project and am professionally more accomplished for it. At least some of my associates are certain to know as well; these things seldom remain secret for perpetuity. Truth has a way of coming out.

If I was to look for another placement, I would certainly list this accomplishment on my resume and arrange for a knowing associate to provide a reference for me if called upon.

One way or another, I would probably benefit eventually. Patience can help to ensure it comes around in a positive way.

mine answer would be yes and no
Yes for sure, i would never forget that it is my project and more capable to do so
No because i don't think we would satisfy ourself with that or with the silent recognition of some persons.

I can list of course my capability in my resume for another replacement as you said, but sometimes it is hard to establish some kind of skills as plus or adding value and get even a reference from one associate but what would be: yes this individual is amazing on his job and are able to do the work of higher position but is this enough to convince other company to give you this chance that your previous company don't even she know you well!

 

[Wes Bucey]

A smart consultant often makes the clients feel as if they were on the right path before he came, he just "helps them avoid some blind alleys" (blind alleys that would have been costly in time and money for all concerned.)

The truth may have been the consultant did all the heavy lifting, but the truth may destroy the morale of the folks who were helped. Without morale, the organization has a high probability of collapsing even after the efficiencies the consultant helps to engineer.

This makes for a Catch 22 for the consultant:

• Brag and take the momentary glory, only to see the organization collapse in a relatively short time, OR
• Keep a lower profile and watch long term success with empowered workers, possibly with less financial success than the braggart

So, maybe the good consultant is a professional "ghost."

 

[Sorin]

Yes, more than once...I was also in the position of brainstorming a project, making proposals which they were rejected by the person in charge, only to see my proposals being resurfaced a certain time after as coming from the person in charge.

Or another situation: developing a new lead only to have a remark coming: What do you mean is new? We talked about it X days/weeks ago!

Part of the job "prostitution"....

 

[bpugazhendhi]

Ghost-function: someone does but someone else takes the credit. This happens very often. At the lower levels of industry there are several workers who donot want to soil their hands and work. They 'get' someone else to do their quoto of the job as well. They pay these 'ghosts'. Both are benefitted. But at higher levels, it is not all that honest. Many times, the bosses project the job done by their subordinates as their own achievements to the world. Another variation is as described in post #5 above by sorin.

 

[selena15]

Hi all

I’ve got the feeling to be the devil’s advocate hahha. Ok no problem

Yes, more than once...I was also in the position of brainstorming a project, making proposals which they were rejected by the person in charge, only to see my proposals being resurfaced a certain time after as coming from the person in charge.
Or another situation: developing a new lead only to have a remark coming: What do you mean is new? We talked about it X days/weeks ago!
Part of the job "prostitution"....

What you are describing Wes is the nice part that all of us would provide to others as gift, facility, help and is part of our responsibility to make our job correctly as well.
For sure won’t come inside the ghost-function.

Every one has his part of this ghost-function while working but if it is just casual or concerning some part of our adding value that we can accept to share. I’m talking of part that We aren’t agree to share and is the main reason of loose of motivation

The lost of motivation of HR is one topic which is interesting me and I’m curious to find the real key word of this issue and which thing can help on this.

I really wonder if this kind of ghost-function is recognized as this, and individual accept is with a proper benefits; won’t be better to make the work done, motivation kept because at least get compensation.
Your opinion would be welcome
Sel

 

[Wes Bucey]

Selena, are you really asking how to deal with the situation surrounding a thief who steals credit for your work?

Let's look at it from a quality professional's view:

1. Perform a FMEA (Failure Mode & Effects Analysis) of your work situation - is there something you do over and above your assigned duties that you want recognition [even reward!] from higher level managers? (If not, the whole discussion does not apply to your situation.)
2. If (1) above is Yes! - take some preventive measures to assure no one else can claim credit: tell highest level bosses in advance with a written memo what you plan do, keep them updated as you reach plateaus, provide a written summary of your accomplishment.

The whole point is NOT to perform these tasks in secret if you want personal recognition. If everything is overt and public about your involvement, there is little or no chance of someone claiming sole credit for your work, although they may claim partial credit for overseeing you.

There is a fine line to walk here, though. You have to be careful not to alienate people whose cooperation you need by making it appear to be belittling or ignoring their contributions. A smart player knows when to spread a little of the glory, because it makes for more opportunities to excel in the future. Think about an American football player who scores a touchdown - he usually gives credit to the team for clearing a path, the coach for devising the play, the opposing team for being worthy adversaries, right down to the groundskeepers for keeping the field in shape. The mark of the true hero is willingness to share the glory, especially when the truth is few of us can accomplish much without some help and cooperation along the way.

So, in the summary report, be sure to lavish praise on the top bosses who had the foresight to provide opportunity and resources for you to accomplish your wonders.

 

[selena15]

Selena, are you really asking how to deal with the situation surrounding a thief who steals credit for your work?....(If not, the whole discussion does not apply to your situation.)...

no, i'm not concern, i've had one time this situation, btw, i won't be aware of it if i didn't had this situation and i've reated as you adviced anyway WES.

Maybe i've put my question no enough clear.
i've read this wikipedia definition by accident and i've find similar with one complaint that one teacher ( friend of me) was complaining about it. and later i've thinked as the following:
the ghostwriters hasn't be recognized since the start isn't it? but later it has been like this, i mean that the function has got his different uses defined, extended, the different pays to each one defined and it seems to work for the concerns and anyone find on it his account.

this is why i've thought why the ghost function; and i know that there is potential need on that ( this is why i've make the poll vote); why this function aren't defined, recognized, properly regulated to bring the satisfaction to the whole concerned.

that's it
Sel

 

[bpugazhendhi]

Selena, your post #9 gives a new twist to the whold discussion. You are asking why the practice of ghost-function also not be cultivated deliberately as the practice of ghost-writing has been. Well, ghost-writers do their writing for and on behalf of celebrities, who are otherwise too busy to write or who donot have the skill of putting in print what they are perceived to be good at. But ghost-function, that has been discussed so far is not having such a positive tone about it. It has a negative connotation. That makes all the difference.