If you haven’t already seen the youtube video of Susan Boyle stunning judges and audience alike with her performance on the UK show Britain’s Got Talent television then Watch the video here
The following story came from here
<blockquote>
The 47-year-old Scottish charity volunteer, the video clip of Boyle’s stunning singing debut on the Britain’s Got Talent television show last weekend had been viewed by over 18 million people on YouTube, with the numbers rising fast. “Susan has clearly wowed the audience, the judges and the world with a truly fantastic performance,” said Tom Kerr, leader of West Lothian council in Scotland where Boyle lives alone with a cat called Pebbles.
The frumpy-looking Boyle drew sniggers when she walked on stage on the weekend show, saying she dreamed of emulating West End star Elaine Page. Shortly before the performance she told the show’s hosts backstage: “I live on my own with my cat called Pebbles, but I’ve never been married, I’ve never been kissed.” Boyle has been singing since 12, she said. “I’ve always wanted to perform in front of a large audience. I’m going to make that audience rock,” she added. When she began to sing, the panel of three judges led by music guru Simon Cowell was visibly shocked, and the audience in Glasgow rose to its feet, as her voiced soared through I Dreamed A Dream from Les Miserables.
“Without a doubt that was the biggest surprise I have had in three years of this show,” said judge Piers Morgan, admitting that before her performance “everyone was laughing at you”. “No-one is laughing now. That was stunning.” </blockquote>
When I watched this video I cried – I was stunned at what I heard coming from a woman who on first appearances wouldn’t have rated a thought with regard to singing or any other talent. It struck me that I had joined with the audience in judging Susan based upon her appearance and limited her (in my mind) according to my expectations. One of the judges described the exact same thing and called Susan’s performance “the biggest wake up call”.
How often do we judge others in similar ways – how often do we limit our own volunteers aned upon our assumptions and not giving them a chance to show us their talent? How often do we not allow ourselves as volunteer management professionals to show others our talent?
I think it brilliant that Susan (up till now) has been unemployed and is a charity volunteer – often it takes our volunteers breaking out of their molds to wake us up.
