Comments

This is an incredible video. I teared up as well, it's a triumph for those of us who don't look like the kids from High School Musical.

Posted by John W at April 16, 2009 9:03 AM

Sorry. This clip does very little for me. Perhaps it has something to do with these types of shows and gimmicky shtick that go with them, including the "ugly duckling" and never been "kissed before" comments. Simon Cowell and the like seem incapable of judging and developing talent. It's all about ratings. But with regards to Ms. Doyle, with well over 12 million views in a few days and reading a few of the comments, she is doing quite a lot for many people. This is good. All the very best to her.

Posted by Judith Ellis at April 16, 2009 9:34 AM

More power to the underdog I say!

There is something magical about someone who has talent and no real understanding/experience of what they are actually capable of. The best part of the management job is supporting someone to achieve something that didn't know they could do.

As for tearing up - Why do we have to "admit" we have strong emotions?
it's strength
it's passion
it's empathy
it defines our humanity.

Posted by PaulH at April 16, 2009 9:44 AM

Judith, perhaps part of my reaction comes from having never watched the show or any of its kin?

Posted by tom peters at April 16, 2009 9:46 AM

I'll admit to being irritated when people were jeering at the start. Have we REALLY become that cynical? I'm feeling a video rant of my own coming on because of that....HOWEVER....she was MAGNIFICENT!

Posted by Greg Cooper at April 16, 2009 9:56 AM

Tom, on the heels of that one, have you seen this one? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1k08yxu57NA

Posted by Dan Gunter at April 16, 2009 10:02 AM

I cry regularly – it’s a wonderful feeling. God bless you Susan Boyle - you do it for me! Britain’s certainly has talent in you. How the hell have we reached a point where we are judged by how closely we resemble Angelina Jolie or Brad Pitt?

Yours sincerely,

An ordinary looking bloke.

PS - I wonder how many richly talented people are not given their chance in business simply because of what they look like.

Posted by Trevor Gay at April 16, 2009 10:19 AM

Not just about the cynism of jeering - it's also just plain rude.

Posted by PaulH at April 16, 2009 10:21 AM

Astute observation, PaulH, about our humanity. Our mirror neurons are quite a resource, but perhaps under appreciated.

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/11/071106123725.htm

Posted by wmmbb at April 16, 2009 11:25 AM

I'm in awe of the guts she had to put her name in, to walk out on that stage, take a deep breath, and deliver her best.

No easy feat, that.

Posted by Lois Gory at April 16, 2009 12:12 PM

TP - You're not missing much. I must have watched American Idol once and most certainly not Britian's Got Talent or whatever the hell the name of that show is! In this forum I really don't care. This is media hype pure and simple. But I do agree with Lois' comment. Now, Greg's comment--WOW! He must really be introduced to MAGNIFICIENT talent. He's gotta get out more. :-)

Posted by Judith Ellis at April 16, 2009 2:18 PM

If I've got it right, 2.5 million views when I posted this morning, 13 MILLION as of 3:15PM. Damn well resonates with some of us obviously!

Posted by tom peters at April 16, 2009 2:20 PM

Yeah, Dan, he's most certainly no Pavarotti or Domingo either! Again nice type but more media hype! But it's all good!

Posted by Judith Ellis at April 16, 2009 2:24 PM

C'mon now! Desperate Housewives probably gets that many views weekly, especially when it was really hot! But are they great actors? Hell no! But this is obviously not pushing this! It's probably more the story which is probably made up.

OK, I'm probably rather cynical about this stuff. There are many many many TRULY great artists who the world will never hear of. We have heard Ms. Doyle and she is certainly not one of these. Nice talent, but she is a very very far cry away from great!

Posted by Judith Ellis at April 16, 2009 2:38 PM

This is indeed exploding - it's been mentioned over 20 times today by various people, and that's Moscow Russia.

I teared up as well :)

Anyway huge thanks for your work, it's truly inspirational. I'm just starting to discover it - a friend showed me your Design book, and it's fantastic. Unfortunately Russian translation is crap - e.g. K.I.S.S. is translated as.. well, kiss. Will have to look for original. Thanks again.

Posted by Evgeny at April 16, 2009 4:27 PM

The phenomenal interest worldwide in this story gives me a good feeling. A human interest story travels like the speed of light and much faster than any ‘business’ or ‘process’ story. One learning point for business is surely - as Tom often says - ‘If people are not the first item on the agenda you just don’t get it.’ I don’t think it matters one iota about how we describe the talent of Ms Doyle – we all have our own (therefore correct) perception of what we mean by ‘magnificent’ or ‘great.’ What matters is she has touched the emotions of millions worldwide in a positive way that most of us will never do.

Posted by Trevor Gay at April 16, 2009 4:54 PM

Tom, thanks for sharing - I have heard about this but have not seen for myself. It is too bad that all of us are judged so quickly, but perhaps a reminder that we need to be more open-minded about how we judge others. Very inspiring.

Posted by Tim at April 16, 2009 5:19 PM

"I don’t think it matters one iota about how we describe the talent of Ms Doyle – we all have our own (therefore correct) perception of what we mean by ‘magnificent’ or ‘great.’"

Yeah, this is tantamount to saying that it matters not if Beethoven, Wagner, Mozart, Callas, Prince, Nijinsky, Ella, Sarah are great. Some of us can be manipulated into believing that anything is great based on our very limited knowledge of what the very word is, having no inkling of it ourselves, never been up close to it or never truly acknowledged it from afar.

I do not dislike this seemingly affable Scot. But anybody can be manipulated as so many people are daily watching endless hours of TV and reality shows. Many do not know the difference between great and mediocre anything. Yet, we expect them to be better. It's not gonna happen.

Oh, our sense of greatness and talent has been greatly dulled it seems on many fronts. "Phenomenal interest" even with the "emotions of millions" of people being "touched" does not take much in this internet reality TV show age of click of a button guided unanimous fame. Many are here today and gone tomorrow. But, hey, I guess it's all good.

TP - The fact that Ms. Doyle is inspiring for many I do not disparage. I guess I'm annoyed at the Simon Cowell's of the world.

Posted by Judith Ellis at April 16, 2009 5:41 PM

Judith – do I take it that your comment means you believe you ARE able to judge what is ‘great’ and others are not? My point is simply that perception is everything – please don’t begrudge those who believe something to be ‘great’ that pleasure. Actually you said in an earlier comment there are many ‘truly great’ people who are not well known so by your own admission it’s not only the Beethoven et al folks you mention who are ‘great.’ It’s all about perception.

“Many do not know the difference between great and mediocre anything.”

Can I ask what makes you believe you ARE able to tell the difference when others are not? I’m not trying to be difficult – just interested in why you seem to find it hard to celebrate such a great story – especially at a time when we need all the good news we can get. Maybe that’s why almost 14 million people have viewed the clip.

Posted by Trevor Gay at April 16, 2009 6:03 PM

For me this is a story about the low expectations of ordinary people.

Simon Cowell should know better but he is on the show, presumably, because he is ordinary not extraordinary. As Ms Doyle prepared to sing everyone in the studio prepared to be embarrassed for her - based on what evidence, what did they know about this person, what did they care about why she was there, and what did they expect her to do?

What she did is exceed everyone's expectations! Is she a talent? I do not know - I doubt it. Only she knows if she is willing to do the hard work needed to make the very best of the opportunity she now has to become a professional singer. She will determine how far she can go with her ambitions - not Simon Cowell.

Rather than inspirational - I find this clip depressing! She was prejudged. It is the prejudice that I find depressing. She knew she could sing better than most but she also knew that being able to sing is not all it takes to become a professional singer.

Ms Doyle has a hard, hard, hard road to travel if she is to finally live her dream. I hope that she is up to the task she has set herself.

Cheers, Richard.

Posted by Richard Lipscombe at April 16, 2009 6:06 PM

Quick. Someone find the set of rules that defines a "great" singer... or painter... or anything. You won't find it. Talent, like beauty, is truly in the eye of the beholder. Case in point: I know that Van Gogh was a "great" painter. Yet I've never personally seen one of his paintings that I would have paid $10 for at a starving artist's sale. I certainly have no right to say his paintings are no good. Instead, I humbly admit they don't fit my particular taste. They don't appeal to my eye.

We could argue whether Mrs. Doyle (or Paul Potts, or any number of people) deserve the accolades of greatness. But what there can be no disagreement about is the fact that Susan Doyle's story has resonated. Big time. Because we're starving for "good news?" Maybe. Because she really is talented? Might be. Because we like the "David vs Goliath" type story? Perhaps. Because a lot of people like seeing the likes of Simon Cowell get "one-upped?" I don't doubt the likelihood. But I think it really boils down to the fact that practically everyone who watches that video for the first time ends up admitting that their initial expectations were not only exceeded -- they got totally blown out of the water.

I don't think it's fair (or even necessary, really) to try and pick one single thing (talent, shock factor, emotions, etc.) that make Susan Doyle's story so wonderful.

When all is said and done, her story -- and the video that shows it quite well -- just "Gets to you." At least it did for me. There comes a time when you stop trying to analyze things and just sit back and enjoy it. Even (especially?) if it calls for a Kleenex.

Posted by Dan Gunter at April 16, 2009 6:59 PM

Something comes to mind about judging books by their covers. I think this speaks volumes to the superficiality and shallowness of the audience and perhaps society overall. A great story and hopefully a lesson well learned by all who view or hear of Ms. Doyle's experience.

Trevor's question is a terrific one "I wonder how many richly talented people are not given their chance in business simply because of what they look like." Far to many I imagine!

Posted by dave wheeler at April 16, 2009 7:36 PM

One question to all you lovers of mediocrity: Can anyone reasonably argue that any of the above people that I have listed are not great in their fields?

Trevor's questions addressed to me are nonsensical. My comments here have nothing to do with me. They are not personal. By this I mean that greatness, like beauty, in the Kantian sense, is universal. While I LOVE effort and encouragement these things do not necessary make greatness. Susan Doyle, bless her heart, is not a great talent today and will probably not be a great talent tomorrow. Does she have something to offer? Surely she does. I wish her the best and am happy for her.

Dan's comments about what he personally would or would not buy is as irrelevant as Trevor's, as well as his desire to simply get a yard stick in order to measure greatness. This very statement points to the fact that he has not a clue about the essence of such. Greatness is not merely about things that are in vogue or even appreciated; it is not personal taste. Greatness can be as awesome and powerful as a horrific storm or as delicate as flowers.

The "Kleenex" line blah blah blah... Physical expectations blah blah blah... Reasons for believing blah blah blah...

DaVinci is great. Galileo is great. Strauss is great. Tesla is great. Pushkin is great. Mandela is great. Hatshepsut, the extraordinary female pharaoh of Egypt who ruled from 1479 to 1458 B.C., is great. Greatness is as much about an attitude and action as that which is simply indefinable or immeasurable. But universally we know it, though perhaps not always readily. Doyle seems like a sweet lady and she has a lovely voice. But she is definitely not a great talent by any stretch of the imagination.

Another thing, if you wish to re-address something that I have said please do so within context and certainly not reframed.

Posted by Judith Ellis at April 16, 2009 10:30 PM

I totally agree with you Judith - I don't think she is great - I didn't think Paul Potts was great - to me it's about guts and allowing someone to shine (however briefly) and if they give a bit of hope and joy to some people and enjoy a bit of success then good luck to them.

I remember the Paul Potts debate. On one side a bunch of opera snobs derided him saying he wasn't an opera singer and on the other the reverse snobs deriding the opera snobs for being snobs.

Both sides were right and both parties missed the point - it was never about opera or snobbery - Paul Potts was never an opera singer. But he sang some arias and a bunch of people enjoyed them and his story - it was as simple as that.

Ps - glad you mentioned DaVinci - an all time hero of mine - that combination of art and science is mind blowing. I need to find out more about Hatshepsut - at first glance it looks like she was an extraordinary woman

Posted by PaulH at April 17, 2009 12:51 AM

"Trevor's questions addressed to me are nonsensical"

"Dan's comments about what he personally would or would not buy is as irrelevant as Trevor's"

Judith - it seems you don't value the diversity that others bring when they have opinions that differ from yours. As far as I am aware you don't make the rules for this Blog. I will continue to express my views in the ways I've done for the last 4 years on this Blog. And I still believe the word 'great' is merely perception and subjective in the eyes of the beholder. BTW - I agree with your list of 'great' people.

"The "Kleenex" line blah blah blah... Physical expectations blah blah blah... Reasons for believing blah blah blah..."

I feel somehow sorry Judith that you cannot bring yourself to acknowledge other people's emotional connection to this 'feel good' story - this is the real joy of diversity I guess. Have a great Friday - I may cry again today :-)

Posted by Trevor Gay at April 17, 2009 1:15 AM

A few quick thoughts:

It's not just the appearance issue. It's also exposed ageism and, through the smirky "never been kissed" angle, the media's obsession with sex and body shape.

Lighten up! It's entertainment - just enjoy it. It doesn't matter if you like any, all or none of Beethoven, U2, Desperate Housewives, Miles Davis, Shakespeare, chick lit, Pressburger, Homer (Greek or American), the Coen Brothers or anything else. It's entertainment.

Watch out! It's entertainment. Despite what they say, the music machine will like as not consume this lady. She'll have a hit cd, may actually make a bit of money from it and next year (when we're all tired of her) we'll move on to the next sensation. It's entertainment.

Isn't it great that we can take a few minutes from our day to enjoy someone's moment in the spotlight? It's much better than, say, cynicism or Being High Minded, Haughty And Far Too Self-Important To Bother About Mere Populist Stuff.

Posted by Mark JF at April 17, 2009 1:24 AM

I appreciate your words, PaulH. I have said consistently here that I do not disparage Susan Doyle, nor the people who are moved by her. This, however, does not, by any means, prevent me from seeing or commenting on what I have noticed for many years now, the dumbing down of education and the non-acceptance of what is truly great, leaving many nothing to really aspire towards, especially young people. These are they that will be heading companies, teaching our children, sitting on school boards, in Congress, etc. There are distinctions.

By the way, I have been an opera singer since the age of 12 but have NEVER EVER been a snob, neither have the many great opera singers and impressarios that I have known my entire life. I am also a great lover of musical genres of all kind. Dolly Parton is an all-time favorite for not only her clear voice, but for her honesty, compositions, charm, and sheer business acumen. I did not know about the Paul Potts debate and heard the aria in full for the first time when Dan posted it here.

It's all good.

Posted by Judith Ellis at April 17, 2009 1:26 AM

Trevor - This may surprise you, but I'm sorry to say that on this matter I really don't care what you think.

Posted by Judith Ellis at April 17, 2009 1:28 AM

Recession Blues RX I (a You Tube clip of someone singing): 28 posts at this point.

Recession Blues RX II (a serious bit about the future of manufacturing): 8 posts.

Some things just resonate.

Posted by Mark JF at April 17, 2009 1:43 AM

"Lighten up! It's entertainment - just enjoy it. It doesn't matter if you like any, all or none of Beethoven, U2, Desperate Housewives, Miles Davis, Shakespeare, chick lit, Pressburger, Homer (Greek or American), the Coen Brothers or anything else. It's entertainment."

If only this was true! Culture does affect a great many things as well as our expectation of ourselves and others. I've been thinking a lot lately about the cultural wars of the 60's and their lasting impact on society for both good and ill.

"It's not just the appearance issue. It's also exposed ageism and, through the smirky "never been kissed" angle, the media's obsession with sex and body shape."

This is what I did not like initially.

"Watch out! It's entertainment. Despite what they say, the music machine will like as not consume this lady. She'll have a hit cd, may actually make a bit of money from it..."

This is good.

"Isn't it great that we can take a few minutes from our day to enjoy someone's moment in the spotlight?"

Yes! (But when are those few minutes up? :-))

Posted by Judith Ellis at April 17, 2009 2:02 AM

Doesn't surprise me at all Judith - have a great day. I agree with Mark - time to lighten up - its nearly the weekend!

Posted by Trevor Gay at April 17, 2009 2:45 AM

Judith - I think you've got an excellent point about culture and how it can not just reflect but also shape our attitudes. It'd be an interesting debate. But the debate between High Art and Low Art for me is a bit like diet: we all know you shouldn't eat burgers and chips for every meal but sometimes burgers and chips are great.

Posted by Mark JF at April 17, 2009 2:46 AM

MarkJF - I'm sorry that you perceive my comments as a distinction between high art and low art; they were not particularly about art or burger and fries for that matter. Rather, they were about greater cultural matters that affect so many things, personally and professionally. They were about education and curiosity. They were about the layers of greatness besides the known or attainment. They were about striving for something greater than ourselves, through a universal knowing of greatness beyond the veil of the mediocre or the obvious. By the way, humans are great, whether their actions are good or bad.

Goodnight. It's 4:33 here and I've gotta catch a few hours of sleep. I have a 9:00 appointment.

Trevor - I'm probably lighter than you may ever imagine, although my eyelids are now quite heavy. Goodnight.

Posted by Judith Ellis at April 17, 2009 3:35 AM

I seem to have spent quite a lot of my life in the conversation about what constitutes High and Low art, and the charges of elitism and dumbing down that usually follow closely behind. One of the two worst things that can happen is that people apply the label of greatness to anything (particularly what is currently popular and prominent), and the capacity to discern what is (or what may be) truly and enduringly great disappears. In this respect, Judith, I think you would be heartened by Simon Cowell's consistent determination to explain to many contestants who have been told all their lives that they're "great" that in fact they're awful. His benchmarks may be different from yours - I don't think he has any pretensions towards cultural heritage - but he is very clear what they are.

The other worst thing is that people think: it's by (insert Shakespeare, Verdi, Rubens, Goethe or whomever) so I OUGHT to like it. Their own critical faculty withers in the face of all that "expert" peer pressure to admire, and they they seek the reassurance of a familiar brand name in deciding what they will like or not. It's an art museum disease. People can be seen the world over doing the art gallery shuffle: step forward, check the artist's name, if okay step back and admire the work, move sideways, stop, repeat. Nodding, stroking the chin sagely, or adding a comment or two about painterliness or chiaroscuro score points for style. In the 1980s the late great Sir Michael Levey staged an exhibition at the National Gallery in London entirely without labels - visitors found it so disconcerting to just look for themselves and take the art on its own terms that he had to put the labels back within days. And these paintings were "greats", indisputably High Art!

Both things fossilise and degrade if unchecked. We do need examples of excellence and greatness by which we can measure our own endeavours and those of others. It's not all a grey talent soup, some people really are better. Equally, what is defined as "excellent" should always be challenged - the game never stands still. The thing that makes the great artists great is that they meet that challenge for generation after generation. But that still doesn't mean we necessarily have to enjoy them all, or even all the time. We should, however, try to look, listen, touch and taste what's in front of us as critically as possible. Almost every artist from chef to busker will say that the thing they hate most is indifference.

Posted by RobCH at April 17, 2009 4:44 AM

Is there not something there of
Thomas Gray’s
Elegy Written in A Country Churchyard?

http://www.bartleby.com/101/453.html

Let not Ambition mock their useful toil,
Their homely joys, and destiny obscure;
Nor Grandeur hear with a disdainful smile
The short and simple annals of the Poor.

John
Shakespeare's Debtor
(Aren't we all?)

Posted by Shakespeare's Debtor at April 17, 2009 7:09 AM

"One of the two worst things that can happen is that people apply the label of greatness to anything (particularly what is currently popular and prominent), and the capacity to discern what is (or what may be) truly and enduringly great disappears."

There is NOTHING about Galileo, Michelangelo, DaVinci, or Tesla's work that can be so defined as the above with or without the label.

"The other worst thing is that people think: it's by (insert Shakespeare, Verdi, Rubens, Goethe or whomever) so I OUGHT to like it."

The mistake made here is that greatness is not personal for me nor is it only likeable. As I described above it can be horrific or genteel. Greatness, is like Kantian beauty, in the sense of it universality. Kilimanjaro is great. Hurricane Katrina is great. “Ought to like it” has no bearing whatsoever. It's not about high or low art as I tried to explain above. I appreciate the chiaroscuro description in that it points to one aspect of greatness.

"We do need examples of excellence and greatness by which we can measure our own endeavours and those of others."

This is like saying we don't need words or stories. It's like saying we need no past, no history.

"We do need examples of excellence and greatness by which we can measure our own endeavours and those of others."

I agree with the wholeheartedly. In fact, I just posted on blog early yesterday morning a quote from the great classical pianist Van Cliburn, along with him playing Schumann's Widmung:

"An artist can be truly evaluated only after he is dead. At the very 11th hour, he might do something that will eclipse everything else."

In the post I had these thoughts and asked these questions:

"This is the ever-evolving process of a great artist, the expectation of creating something greater still. Can the same be said of other professions? I can see this mindset in scientists and engineers. Are there others? Many of us have become merely satisfied with ourselves in our professions."

"Almost every artist from chef to busker will say that the thing they hate most is indifference."

So true!

Posted by Judith Ellis at April 17, 2009 7:52 AM

John - Those words literally brought tears to my eyes. They are most beautiful indeed. Thank you.

Posted by Judith Ellis at April 17, 2009 7:54 AM

Wow! First, Tom's simple post takes us to a wonderful, heartwarming story. But even better, it kicked off an interesting example of human diversity. In this case, the sheer diversity of personal taste.

In catching up on the comments to this blog this morning, I find RobCH's comments to be both interesting and true to an almost frightening extent. This is a "brand" culture. To watch people go and buy a pair of $100 jeans that have been pre-faded, cut to pieces, and tattered because that is THE name brand "everybody's wearing these days" is downright humorous. Not one single, solitary time have I heard a person say "Now THERE is a great looking pair of jeans. Very high quality." Nope. It's about fitting in and feeling forced to live up to everyone else's standards. I remember throwing away MANY pairs of jeans when they started remotely looking that way. The terms "fashion" and "trendy" and "in vogue" -- none of these have anything to do with quality or high standards. They merely, as RobCH well described it, fall under the category of peer pressure. So what is the relationship between all this and the video that started this energetic dialogue?

Susan Boyle walked out on a stage, KNOWING that she would be seen by not only an auditorium full of people and three judges that would make a "go/no-go" decision about her, but millions of TV viewers. Did she expect to become THE internet sensation of the week? Probably not. But she DID have the courage to follow her dream. I'd almost bet that someone she knows, or someone associated with the show, tried to convince her to wear something less "plain" (for lack of a better term.) Maybe a little hairstyling. A touch of makeup. Better coaching in terms of how to perform. All conjecture, but there's a good likelihood, as this is not some low budget, middle-of-the-night TV show. Did she opt for all that? No. She walked on stage looking like she was enjoying her moment and sang her heart out. And at least for a little while -- in small or perhaps not so small ways -- touched the hearts of millions and millions of people.

I certainly can't claim to have done that. I don't think I have the talent (or perhaps courage) to do what she did. Some people spend their entire lives only wishing that they could make someone else's life better, if only for a moment. This lady did exactly that, most likely without any sense that she was going to achieve it.

If Susan Doyle ultimately loses this competition... if she never sings in public again... if the recording companies and agents all shout "NO, NO, NO!"... she still did something that I'll venture a guess many of us will remember in years to come.

Talent, potential, looks, personality, etc. all put to the side, Susan Doyle has at least achieved a moment (if you will) of "greatness" because she made a lot of people feel good.

There may be a million ways to define and analyze greatness, but I'd darn sure take that one.

Wishing all a wonderful weekend!
Dan

"Neither fire nor wind, birth nor death can erase our good deeds." -- Siddhartha Buddha

Posted by Dan Gunter at April 17, 2009 9:43 AM

"We do (NOT) need examples of excellence and greatness by which we can measure our own endeavours and those of others."

This is like saying we don't need words or stories. It's like saying we need no past, no history.

I wanted to add the NOT to Rob's excellent point above to make the analogy of words, stories and history as it relates to the lack of great examples.

Rob's point above in which I described Van Cliburn should have obviously included the following sentence too: "It's not all a grey talent soup, some people really are better. Equally, what is defined as 'excellent' should always be challenged - the game never stands still."

I really appreciate both of these lines. So true! Thanks, Rob.

"Neither fire nor wind, birth nor death can erase our good deeds." -- Siddhartha Buddha

As the Shakespeare above, this is very beautiful too. Thanks, Dan.

Posted by Judith Ellis at April 17, 2009 10:27 AM

By the way, I don't think this is true:

"But even better, it kicked off an interesting example of human diversity. In this case, the sheer diversity of personal taste."

For me, this discussion is not about personal taste. It is the lack of personal taste in many regards to which I refer. Personally, I think we all agree that Susan Doyle seems like a lovely lady. Her story is heartwarming. She has a lovely talent. But none of these things inextricably makes her great.

This is not about the "diversity of personal taste." The Shakespeare and Buddha lines moved me incredibly. But that does not necessarily make these persons great. Greatness is not merely about favorable emotions, euphoria or feel good. But ain't nothing wrong with that either. In fact, it's desirable.

Great weekend to all...indeed!

Posted by Judith Ellis at April 17, 2009 10:43 AM

"What matters is she has touched the emotions of millions worldwide in a positive way that most of us will never do."

Trevor - How well you picked out the essence of Tom's post. In this case, all other commentary is meaningless.

Posted by Bob Foster at April 17, 2009 12:54 PM

Thank you Bob - I greatly appreciate your comment.

Posted by Trevor Gay at April 17, 2009 1:56 PM

My apologies for the confusion.

These words:

Let not Ambition mock their useful toil,
Their homely joys, and destiny obscure;
Nor Grandeur hear with a disdainful smile
The short and simple annals of the Poor.

are NOT Shakespeare's.
They are the words of Thomas Gray.
They appear in his poem
Elegy Written In A Country Churchyard

The whole poem is at
http://www.bartleby.com/101/453.html

John
Shakespeare's Debtor
(Aren't we all?)

Posted by Shakespeare's Debtor at April 17, 2009 3:22 PM

Thanks for that, John. Grey's poem is beautiful.

Posted by Judith Ellis at April 17, 2009 3:43 PM

Again Tompeters! is on the money with this post - Tom has shown us what makes the biggest splash in the digital world of marketing. Put together a video that surprises, delights, and emotionally touches ordinary people (not hardened critics like Simon Cowell) and you win - full stop.

Digital media is a viral process, it has pull not push drivers, it is global, it works at nano- second speed, and it is revolutionary not evolutionary. This new media will force us to rethink how we organise work and business and certainly how we market our talent, products, and services.

The practical lesson I take from the Susan Boyle vides phenomenon is that digital networking does little or nothing to change the core of people, their habits, or their social needs. People are the same as they were before the digital age - I have witnessed that fact in these comments on this blog over the past few years. People come in all shapes and sizes but they do cluster around themes (Susan Boyle provides an emotional theme at present) and they do form clans (early adopters lead) and they do form tribes (purpose-driven folk with shared values are the mainstay of society - they are the bulk of people commenting here too).

The interesting thing about all this for me is the fact that Susan Boyle's video clip has gone viral on Web 2.0. She has become an instant celebrity. She is top of the celebrity list, right now, on Twitter. Her video is way bigger than the Obama acceptance speech, etc, etc. She has touched the hearts of people around the globe - most admit to crying while viewing this video. If you can get people to cry = you win.

Interestingly most people are not judging her performance but her impact on them. That is what Tom Peters wrote about here. That is what Tom picked up too. That is the genius of Tom - he is still one of the mob and he is still open enough to relate to his feelings and emotions. That is what makes Tom Peters a great performer in my humble opinion. You go to see Tom Peters not to see his slides or his criptic commentary on what you already know. People relate to Susan Boyle because she is there to sing her heart out - they go to see Tom Peters because he is there to do the same in the way he presents his views - when I saw him he reminded me of Leo Sayer who had been a busker before becoming a pop star. Leo knew how to work the crowd and so does Tom Peters.

Susan Boyle's viral video (apparently there are now about 200 versions of it out there!) proves to me that the world still has a soul. That means the clusters, clans, and tribes that make up this planet are in pretty good shape despite the economic situation.

For a much closer look at the Susan Doyle phenomenon see http://www.visiblemeasures.com/news-and-events/blog/bid/9115/Susan-Boyle-s-Got-Viral-Video-Talent

Cheers, Richard.

Posted by Richard Lipscombe at April 17, 2009 6:50 PM

Am I the only one here to note the irony between Judith's uncompromising, hard-line insistence on "excellence" in the foregoing exchanges, while consistently referring to Susan Boyle as Susan Doyle? Mayhap Tom or one of his buddies with engineering expertise could recommend an appropriate petard hoist.

Posted by Cole Coconino II at April 18, 2009 4:57 AM

Now, that's REALLY funny! I have seen Susan BOYLE's performance once and have not read anything about her since, nor seen her spoken of in the media. There was no disrespect intended at all.

Being the ever curious person, I've heard the saying "being hoist by my own petard" but not knowing its meaning decided to do a little research. This is my best understanding: The line comes from Shakespeare, specifically Hamlet, act III, scene 4, lines 206 and 207: "For 'tis sport to have the engineer/ Hoist with his own petar....

Hamlet seems to be considering the fate of those plotting to kill him. But the ever brilliant Hamlet turns the plot on those who are plotting against him and substitute their name for his in the death warrant carried out by King Claudius. They have become the hoisters of their own demise. No engineer needed. "I am the master of my SHIP. I am the captain of my soul."

My dearest Cole Coconimo II, you are dull and lame, for you are plotting your own demise, should you plot against me. For I, like Hamlet, have an abundance of arsenal that are first governed by a rather sound mind. I don’t need the Cole I or II. I am my own vessel: massive, rapid, precise and assured. I am also agile when needed on rough seas, giving when necessary, remaining afloat.

Your "Judith uncompromising, hard-line insistence on 'excellence'” puts me in the mind of a far right-wing "hard-line" ideologue like the frequent commentator C-Love who has not the balls or fortitude to speak in his own name. Now, it appears that you may be incapable of even doing so in the aforementioned pseudonym. But it matters not who this Cole may be. I stand inflexible or supple depending on the need.

But Cole Coconimo II, my boy, you appear, dear, very clear: impotent.

Posted by Judith Ellis at April 18, 2009 8:48 AM

Judith,

It is heartening indeed to read that you intended no disrespect toward Ms. Boyle. I will also give you the benefit of the doubt in the misspelling of my own surname. It's N as in November, not M as in mnemonic.

In my experience, when someone feels compelled to tell another how intelligent she is, then she is usually lacking either in intelligence or humility. Being a long time reader of Tom's website (and your contributions thereto), I am more than willing to concede that the first condition does not apply. Hence, a passing reference to Macbeth, Act V, Scene 5, lines 26-28, would clearly be inappropriate. That being the case, I would simply remind you of the following posts on humility:

“'As a result, leaders must become much more efficient at Managing Chaos and much more competent at dealing with the Human Side. Overall, they must possess the interpersonal skills and character to adapt to both new realities.' And those skills, Ms. G. says with confidence, are to a significant extent the skills learned by Mom?ing. For example, 'Selflessness. Confidence. Humility. Groundedness. Honesty.'

(Yes.)”

(TP, citing with approval Moe Grzelakowski, “Maternal Trends in the Business World’ (Mother Leads Best: 50 Women Who Are Changing the Way Organizations Define Leadership)
www.tompeters.com/pdfs/Project05.pdf

“And to the amazement of an/this American, his humility runs as deep as his accomplishments run tall.”

(TP, referring to Infosys Chairman Narayana Murthy. www.tompeters.com/entries.php?note=006179.php)

“Philosophically speaking, maybe 'all this' ain't all bad. Doing without the 'amenities' -- such as electricity -- might teach us all a little humility.”

(TP, referring to his Y2K preparations)
www.tompeters.com/toms_world/obs_entries.php?note=000727&year=1999

“There will be more humility and less hubris.”

(TP, citing “The Future of Leadership”, Warren Bennis et al.)
www.tompeters.com/slides/uploaded/FC%2005-20-01.ppt

Just some food for thought from a person I believe we both respect and admire.

Similarly, while I agree that Henley's “Invictus” conveys a certain ennobling spirit, this sense of self-reliance must be tempered by humility (there's that dirty word again) and a recognition that we're all in this together. Otherwise, our selfish, hubris-laden insistence on navigating “our” craft without regard to the rules of the sea and the rights of other shipmasters with whom we share the oceans of life will inevitably lead us (and others) to being shipwrecked on the shoals of human misery. Timothy McVeigh provides a prime example of this tragic potential. Ironically, if my memory serves me correctly, McVeigh quoted from “Invictus” in his final written statement before being executed for the cold-blooded murder of 168 innocent men, women, and children. Master of his fate, indeed! More like the captain of a U-boat with 168 kills to his record, leaving in his wake the flotsam of thousands of broken lives.

My father, a man blessed with a considerable sense of humor, was also richly amused by your assertion that I wrote under a pseudonym. His father, for whom I am named, would have chuckled as well had he not died several years ago following a painful struggle with cancer. Both men are/were smart, kind, hard-working, salt-of-the-earth types with unflinching moral courage and unquestionable integrity. It's not out of pretension that I use the “II” suffix, but out of respect for my grandfather. Once I have developed my character to match the strength of his, then I will drop it. Until then, it matters to me people would distinguish between the two of us. I would otherwise view it as a free ride on my part.

Dull? Perhaps. Lame? Probably. Impotent? That particular accusation has been hurled forcefully in my direction more times than I would care to acknowledge. Still, I view my life as a process rather than a product, ever susceptible to improvement to the degree I seek it. I look forward to future dialogue with you and other contributors to this community, either on this topic or others, as we work our way forward in our respective pursuits toward that ephemeral state of excellence.

Cole

Posted by Cole Coconino II at April 19, 2009 4:32 AM

Cole – I’ve often written on this Blog, and in many other places, that humility is the greatest attribute in all the best and most effective leaders I’ve met or worked for. I love your sense of pride in your family. I share your great respect for one’s father and grandfather. Both mine are sadly no longer with us; both died young; both were terrific men; both humble – almost to the point of self deprecation. Perfect role models that I would be honoured to be associated with. Your words are very powerful Sir! – Thank you.

Posted by Trevor Gay at April 19, 2009 5:35 AM

Trevor,

I appreciate your thoughts. Your views of your father and grandfather illustrate a very simple but compelling point: there is greatness among us if we will but look for it. I don't know your ancestors any better than you know mine, but we have both learned from their examples attributes of greatness that we can incorporate into our lives. There is no necessary correlation between being great and being famous. Many great people live “unnoticed” by the world; many a scoundrel become famous. One minor problem I have with reverencing the famous great is our tendency to overlook those areas of weakness that they had. Great people are still people, and recognizing their flaws does not diminish their greatness.

To illustrate this, let me refer to the example of Mount Kilimanjaro, which Judith referred to as great. I would absolutely concur with her assessment. Seeing for the first time that mountain rising up from the Tanzanian plains, beholding its sheer size, power, and majesty, is nothing short of breathtaking. I subsequently stood atop Uhuru Peak, its highest point, and that too was truly breathtaking, albeit in a different sense of the word. After climbing Kilimanjaro (and being quite self-satisfied about that accomplishment), I learned that Uhuru Peak is roughly the same altitude as the base camp for Mount Everest, and that once a climber is at the base camp, there's about 10 thousand feet (almost two more miles) of elevation left to climb. That is humbling. Does that detract from Kilimanjaro's magnificence or greatness? Not in the least, but it does suggest that “greatness” can be contextual.

In the case of Susan Boyle, I view her performance as the perfect storm, bringing together a talented (at least in the rough) singer, a cynical audience prejudging her talent based on her outward appearance, and an emotionally-charged song both in terms of its association with the story line in Les Miserables and in the lyrical context of Boyle's attempts to live out her dreams. I would say the performance, including the reactions of the judges and the audience, was great. Does that mean she is a great singer? Time will tell, but I have saved that particular performance to my computer as a great (yes, great) celebration of the indomitability of the human spirit, gifted to us by an individual whom none of us had ever heard of before.

Cole

Posted by Cole Coconino II at April 19, 2009 7:29 AM

Cole – thank you for your feedback – appreciated – you have a writing gift. As I said in my earlier comments on this thread I believe 'great' is like beauty - it is in the eye of the beholder. It is a subjective word. What is ‘great’ to me may not be great to another - such is life. Today here in England we have a ‘great’ Sunday - the sun is shining gloriously - my wife and I have just got home from a 60 minute walk with our two dogs after a fabulous 7 mile run this morning in our last week training for the London Marathon next Sunday. Sunday is my favourite day of the week. Life is 'great' from where I sit :-)

Posted by Trevor Gay at April 19, 2009 8:05 AM

PS Cole - I agree with you about Susan Boyle. The issue is not whether she will last as a celebrity or whether she is great or not. Its simply that she brought much needed sunshine to a cloudy world right now in my opinion and that is surely a cause for celebration.

Posted by Trevor Gay at April 19, 2009 8:08 AM

Cole,

Your words are indeed quite eloquent and they bring up "great" memories of my own and of a similar fashion. The Appalachian Trail, or "A.T." as is is more affectionately and commonly referred to by hikers, is said to start at Springer Mountain, GA. However, few people seem to realize that the foothills of the Appalachian Mountain chain lie here in Alabama, in the area of the Talladega National Forest. Within the latter area lies a number of hiking trails, the better known one being the Pinhoti Trail. Over the past several years, there has been an ongoing effort to extend the A.T. and have it begin in Alabama. Whether or not the right people of authority to do so ever agree that our end of the Appalachian chain "deserves" or "merits" inclusion in the A.T. does not determine my personal experience of them.

While I have not hiked the entire A.T., I have hiked the first portion of it. Yet in my humble opinion the views from the cliffs and bluffs along the Pinhoti Trail are equally as beautiful. Every time I find myself standing on the edge of a rock, toes only inches from a sheer drop of a few hundred feet, it is very humbling, very beautiful, and in my opinion a "great" experience. I do not find myself at that moment in time wishing I was standing atop Mount Katahdin in the state of Maine (the other end of the A.T.) which is at a far greater altitude and a much more rigorous journey. Instead, I enjoy that moment for its own beauty. I am truly, as they say "In the moment." I do not need any reference by which to measure or compare it. It stands on its own. Just as there is no doubt a better view of the night sky from a desert with no "light pollution," yet I still enjoy an evening spent on top of a sleeping bag looking up and enjoying the stellar spectacle if I am merely at a small, out of the way campground closer to home.

There are some aspects of our lives, our work, our relationships, etc. that perhaps we can reap some sort of benefits from comparing and contrasting to external measures. And I feel that the most important measure is not "Am I better than anyone else?" Instead, it is simply "Am I better and more than I was?" That is both the hardest question to ask ourselves and quite possibly THE single most ignored.

Susan Boyle's moment -- taken totally on its own merits -- can only be seen as "great" from my point of view. Not for one second did I ponder the question "Is she as good as...?" I suddenly find myself thinking about the very name of the show on which she was performing: "Britain's Got Talent." The title is NOT "Britain's Got Performers As Good As Or Better Than..." Thus, if we want to really get into semantics, Susan Boyle was truly GREAT within the context of the show, beyond any doubt.

One thing I can say with absolute certainty, as no other living human being has the right or ability to judge it for me is this: the moment I watched the video of Susan Boyle's performance, was truly a "great" moment for me. It made me feel good.

Isn't it a bit ironic that while some people are busy trying to critique her performance and at the same time convince us all to agree with their definition of "greatness" (which is about as sensible as writing your name in water with your finger), by far the majority of comments as of late to Tom Peters website have been on the topic of Susan Boyle? Not only did Susan Boyle put on a performance that has been viewed millions of times (and the meter still seems to be whirling rapidly) but she also stirred a tremendous amount of dialog, often very passionate and soul-searching, on this website/blog. Maybe I'm guilty of generalizing to the point of gross oversimplification here, but I believe that the essence or "core theme" behind everything Tom Peters says and does is "Excellence." I'd humbly tag her performance as exactly that.

Posted by Dan Gunter at April 19, 2009 9:14 AM

Cole – I beg your pardon. I was wrong to assume that your name was a pseudonym. But I must admit to having quite a lot of fun writing my response which was based on your name and my research of the phrase you used that elicited others in your scheme. You said, "Mayhap Tom or one of his buddies with engineering expertise could recommend an appropriate petard hoist." What was the spirit and reason behind these words? What did you mean exactly?

With regards to humility, it is a BEAUTIFUL thing. But humility is not without strength or vigor; humility is also not without confidence. Humility is the basis of love and how that love is exhibited takes many forms. "To everything there is a time and season and purpose under the heaven." Your analysis of my words seems to miss the "time and season and purpose" for them. They were largely based on my assumption, rightly or wrongly, that you sought to do what Hamlet’s haters wanted to do. In such a battle, as I have said, I, like Hamlet, have an abundance of arsenals that are first governed by a rather sound mind.

I take no offense in your desire to pastor or lead me with your barrage of quotes, as I am always open. But I must also say that you do not know me, so your comments can be perceived as quite arrogant indeed. You have the right, needless to say, to your opinion, although if you perceive in me one who is arrogant and lacks humility, this is untrue indeed. While I am FOREVER BECOMING more of what I will yet be, the words that you have written here are often spoken of me: "Selflessness. Confidence. Humility. Groundedness. Honesty." I am both my harshest critic and most loyal (usually private unless trying to make a public point) cheerleader. I flatly reject any sense written here of me which have no validity.

Being the captain of one's ship is for me the essential notion of free will. What we do with this will matters. This I try to be conscious of every minute of the day. Most times I am successful; other times I am not. The amazing thing about words is their transformative power in the eyes of those who read and perceive them. My great grandmothers and grandfathers, who were successful business persons and pastor on both paternal and maternal sides, had no rights under the Constitution when it was written, but nonetheless, perceived in it its intrinsic transformative value and honored it because of this.

The words that Henley wrote have such transformative value for me, even if others used them destructively, including the Framers themselves. Truth transcends. For me, it's all about becoming more of what I will someday be and this includes the countless and nameless others, near and far, who are beside me. I have NEVER been or shall EVER be under the false illusion that it's all about me. But since you have in essence written what you think of me let me say that I am indeed a force of both strength and humility; the men and women in my family are of such a combination indeed; still, we are not yet what we will be.

Posted by Judith Ellis at April 19, 2009 6:06 PM

Thanks Judith for being the facilitator of this discussion. No input from Judith = no energy, no intellectual analysis, and no reflective thinking about our individual experiences of this Susan Boyle video phenomenon.

Thanks to Mashable for the following demonstration of Twitter as a 'pull' mechanism = the first genuine step toward a 'real time' search engine. The clip is only 2 mins long. It is pure fun and makes the point about real time activity (Twitter, Skype, Amazon, eBay) on the web visa vis delayed time activity (Google, Facebook, MaySpace, Blogsphere, etc) on the web. Push marketing (even around established Brands) can not compete, in my humble opinion, with Pull referrals or viral marketing of non existence Brands such as Susan Boyle.

Before you watch the clip you might ponder which of these words has the most pulling power for you = Love, Hate, Want?

This clip is called SweetNTweet see at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q53Fb25dses

Cheers, Richard.

Posted by Richard Lipscombe at April 19, 2009 6:12 PM

The Susan moment was stunning & unexpected & fun - plus her song selection was wonderful.

The free enterprise genius part is that Simon has & can facilitate contracts for singers - even 2,3, 4th place finishers make $1M+ - so Susan may make a financial legacy on that 15 minutes.

"Simon Cowell
Company: American Idol
Net Worth: $50 million

Simon Cowell has become one of the most recognized faces in the television industry by not only being rude but more importantly by listening to what he was at heart – a self-proclaimed serial entrepreneur.

A music producer and executive, TV personality and businessman all rolled into one, Cowell has been steadily climbing to success for almost four decades. Love him or hate him, Cowell is now worth over $50 million and continues to leave his mark in the entertainment industry."

PS - also fun that Manchester United fell to Everton 4-2 while the elderly, mistake prone Alex Ferguson bitterly complained. :>)

Posted by C Love at April 19, 2009 6:30 PM

"What is ‘great’ to me may not be great to another - such is life."

This is often true for those with limited understanding and narrow view.

Posted by Judith Ellis at April 19, 2009 8:37 PM

"Isn't it a bit ironic that while some people are busy trying to critique her performance and at the same time convince us all to agree with their definition of 'greatness' (which is about as sensible as writing your name in water with your finger)..."

Not! But perhaps trying to explain a notion beyond the obvious is something not graspable for some.

Posted by Judith Ellis at April 19, 2009 8:54 PM

Hi C Love - agree with you fully re Simon Cowell. He's clearly as popular in the US as he is over here. Yet another great Britsh export :-)

As for my beloved Manchester United and the 'elderly' Sir Alex - let's judge him at the end of May when the season is over and we count trophies won (We've already won three trophies this season). Everton are a team I admire with a manager, David Moyes, I greatly respect and they fully deserved their victory yesterday - over our Reserve team of course :-)

Posted by Trevcor Gay at April 20, 2009 1:06 AM

"This is often true for those with limited understanding and narrow view."

Judith - I clearly fall into this category in your opinion. Pray tell from your greater and wider understanding what is it about my view that 'greatness is subjective in the eye of the beholder' that bothers you so much

Posted by Trevcor Gay at April 20, 2009 1:20 AM

"Pray tell from your greater and wider understanding what is it about my view that 'greatness is subjective in the eye of the beholder' that bothers you so much."

Trevor - There is nothing that you have said on this blog that bothers me in the very least. My discussions here are also not about me, save in response to one direct assessment of me. And, those words are not directly related to the topic of greatness.

Posted by Judith Ellis at April 20, 2009 7:23 AM

Richard - I thank you for your words; they're nice. But I must also say that I DO NOT, HAVE NOT or SHALL NOT ever see myself here in that role whatsoever. I typically respond to things that interest me, but I must also admit to having a bit of fun too. :-)

Posted by Judith Ellis at April 20, 2009 7:44 AM

Trevor - an article in today's NY Times - excerpt below. Lipscombe & others slow to get the $$$ power of 15 minutes & the Cowell money machine.

PS - I know you are hooligan ready to tear down a stadium upon the next MU win. :>)

"Things just seem to happen like this for Simon Cowell:

Susan Boyle, the middle-aged singer from Scotland who lit up YouTube after her performance on the “Got Talent” series.
He is judging contestants for the reality show he owns, “Britain’s Got Talent”; a middle-aged woman from Scotland walks onstage and begins to sing; and somewhere in the recesses of the Simon Cowell empire, cash registers start to ring.

Susan Boyle, who lit up YouTube with tens of millions of hits after her standout vocal performance, is the latest wholly owned phenomenon of Simon Inc., as his burgeoning business enterprise is colloquially known.

Look for an album by Ms. Boyle — on Mr. Cowell’s label — in the near future. “I think there’s a very slim chance she won’t do a record,” Mr. Cowell said in a telephone interview, before quickly correcting himself: “No, of course there’ll be a record.”"

Love & wealth - NYT link below.

Posted by C Love at April 20, 2009 8:22 PM

I came across this incredibly beautiful youtube video moments ago which features quotes of great leaders. Easily recognizable is the inclusion of one that I'm sure most would object to for his horrific deeds; yet, his quote is among these. Should it be?

It is very difficult to pick a favorite quote but here is one of my favorites:

"The price of greatness is responsibility."

--Winston Churchill

Ours truly, Tom Peters, is also included here:

"If you're not confused, you're not paying attention."

Bravo, TP!

The video is awesome for its storytelling quality aided by great graphics, historic footage, and brilliant soundtrack. Enjoy!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-4lko1LuJ2o&feature=related

Posted by Judith Ellis at April 21, 2009 12:09 AM

Hi C Love - Simon is an entrepreneur who I like - he makes the most of whatever talent he has. He is one of those folks we love or hate I suspect. He makes the most of modern phenomenons such as X Factor, Britain’s Got Talent etc.

Susan Boyle? ... viewing figures on U Tube mean almost 70 million people worldwide can’t be wrong.

I haven’t trashed a stadium for a few weeks – don’t put ideas into my head ….

As my virtual personal trainer I know you’ll be delighted to hear I’m looking forward immensely to large Fish and Chips, smothered in salt, vinegar and ketchup together with two large bottles of Cola on Sunday after completing London Marathon ….

Just joking - only one bottle of cola :- )

Peace and Love always from this side of the pond – Happy Tuesday.

Posted by Trevor Gay at April 21, 2009 2:01 AM

Trevor,

"...only one bottle of cola..."

Would that happen to mean "only one 2-LITER bottle?"

As for me, I'd be looking for a BIG bottle -- of oxygen, most likely. Enjoy the marathon.

Posted by Dan Gunter at April 21, 2009 11:39 AM

Dan - at least two 2 litre bottles I would say and the Fish and Chips will be a large portion of course:-)

Thanks for your best wishes - appreciated. Our charity Carers UK gains most from our efforts through the wonderful donations we have had. It feels like we are doing something practical and tangible to help rather than just 'talking a good fight' for Carers - I believe the expression you use in the US is 'Care Givers' – family carers who provide unpaid care and support to other family members who are ill or disabled in some way – a marvellous cause. We are proud to be associate d with it.

Posted by Trevor Gay at April 21, 2009 12:26 PM

Poor Susan Boyle. She seems to have only been a scheme for the younger singers being paraded now, as well as Cowell's Britian's Got blah blah blah... Americans seem to be getting annoyed with the whole thing--rightfully so. Best to SB, though!

Posted by Judith Ellis at April 27, 2009 3:56 PM