Keep Calm and Carry On Susan Boyle

by Roger HB Davies, CEO, McLuhan & Davies

If the name Susan Boyle doesn't mean much to you now, it soon will. You might have seen her face in the Press. She was an unknown until her appearance on a UK talent show. Then she literally "went global"... after a jaw-dropping performance that touched audiences in a way that might have left you asking questions.

How did she achieve this? Why has her YouTube clip gone viral? Why did Susan Boyle connect on such a profound level?

You'll need to see the full seven-minute clip to judge for yourself. (If you haven't already done so.) But the reasons for her connecting on such a broad level perhaps defy full explanation. They are more than just a rejection of the standard celebrity mode. They are more than recognition of her talent.

Part of the connection simply involved good communication. Here was a performer who turned around a skeptical if not cynical audience—by being clear and focused in her message.

She also demonstrated key points for all of us in the workplace:

Be professional.
Take pride in your own skills, no matter what your audience may be thinking.
Exude confidence in what you are doing.
Exceed everyone's expectations.
Above all, be yourself. (You don't have to be perfect!)

See the results for yourself in what turned out to be a piece of pure TV magic that touched millions, just because one woman believed in herself, had one clear focused message—and had a dream. And knew how to communicate!

If you haven't seen the clip, be prepared to be blown away. Besides it’s a good news story!