The Accidental Leader

I was at a gathering of the authors of 'Power of Women United' recently, when our host who brought us all together called herself an 'accidental leader'. My immediate reaction was 'no your are not'! There no accident here... You see, Shirley (Chapter 20) had a vision – the vision was to bring everyone together to celebrate our book reaching the Canadian Best Sellers list. Shirley has another vision – to be on the Oprah Winfrey Show with all of the authors of the book in attendance. This girl thinks big!

We have talked about this goal since the before the book was published, and I bet some of us thought privately that it was noble, but perhaps unattainable dream – not Shirley!

We are a collection of 22 women authors - all with dreams and ambitions – all pursuing our own paths – but with a single vision, to share our stories – to help empower women in every corner of the globe. We want for others what our wisdom and experience have taught us – to be brave in the face of adversity, to get up when you fall, to act every day like the success you dream to be.

So, what about this 'accidental leader'? In my opinion there is no such thing. There are many theories about what constitutes a leader – some say you need Charisma – I say bunk! Some say you are born to it – also bunk! Leadership like any other skill is a learned behaviour. Every time you step up to something, every time you take responsibility for your own actions - you are being a leader. Being a mother is being a leader – you show your children by example how to behave in the world. Leadership is not just for people in politics or corporations.

Where does Leadership begin? It's an inside job! it begins with taking responsibility for every word and action - it begins with having a deep regard and respect for your fellow human beings – and it begins with guts to face up to a challenge and take it on. Leadership is also about taking risks – doing what others will not do – that can feel scary sometimes, but the payoff can be huge.

Does a leader need followers? No – a leader needs a vision a purpose and a plan – and the commitment to help others see where she is headed. I stand side by side – arm in arm with this 'Accidental Leader' on our journey to empower all women no matter where they are or what their circumstance. Won't you join us on this journey? See you in Chicago! Oprah - here we come!

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When I am an Old Woman... by Jenny Joseph

Warning - by Jenny Joseph

When I am an old woman, I shall wear purple

With a red hat which doesn't go, and doesn't suit me.

And I shall spend my pension on brandy and summer gloves

And satin sandals, and say we've no money for butter.

I shall sit down on the pavement when I'm tired

And gobble up samples in shops and press alarm bells

And run my stick along the public railings

And make up for the sobriety of my youth.

I shall go out in my slippers in the rain

And pick the flowers in other peoples' gardens

And learn to spit.

You can wear terrible shirts and grow more fat

And eat three pounds of sausages at a go

Or only bread and pickles for a week

And hoard pens and pencils and beermats and things in boxes.

But now we must have clothes that keep us dry

And pay our rent and not swear in the street

And set a good example for the children.

We must have friends to dinner and read the papers.

But maybe I ought to practise a little now?

So people who know me are not too shocked and surprised

When suddenly I am old, and start to wear purple.

Holiday Shopping for the Four Personality Types

I know there are some of you who have not yet completed your shopping, and may be completely stumped about what to give your loved ones. Here's some great advice – make it all about them! Really watching and listening to the person you are buying for and making the gift something that is meaningful for them. We tend to choose gifts that we think may be meaningful to others – hence the new tradition of 're-gifting'. Each of the four personality styles has preferences. Check out the FUN tips below for giving the right gift.


Our very knowledgeable Green Personality Style will love any gift that furthers their knowledge and competence. Greens are not into possessions or 'things'. Avoid fluffy slippers, kitschy Christmas sweaters and gaudy jewellery. Knick knacks will find themselves in the next garage sale. Greens have a unique sense of humour, so tickets to a comedy show would work, as would a trip to an interesting place with lots of history. A magazine subscription to something that interests them, such as science, nature, how to go 'green'. Avoid packaging; it's likely that our Greens are totally serious about going 'Green'. Greens love ideas and concepts, a trip to the museum would be most welcome.

 The core need for our Gold Personality Style is belonging, tradition and responsibility. Think about practicality and how the gift will help the Gold personality type carry out their responsibilities or honour a family tradition. Do not be extravagant and ensure that the gift is of high quality they love trusted brand names. Some gift ideas - a planner for the New Year, a new briefcase to replace the old worn one, a labeller - Golds are very organized, or an alarm clock to ensure that the Gold is always on time. Gold personality types will appreciate that you put some thought behind the gift. As long as you are happy they are happy.

 Woo Hoo! The Orange Personality Style is motivated by freedom and impact. Don't fence me in! Just like Tigger - Oranges bounce. Orange Personality types are all about the senses. Think about gifts that relate to the senses, perfume, music, art work, fine wine or chocolate, a soft sweater. Oranges also like variety and fun, so look for something they can use in their leisure time. Plan a spa day and go with them - make sure there is lots of variety and choice. How about an adventure weekend like white water rafting or horseback riding? Even if you get it wrong, oranges won't care, they get over it easily - they'll just bounce back.

 Meaning and Significance - that's the key to a Blue Personality Style's heart. The Blue temperament has a core need for unique identity, meaning and significance. Their talents are as caregivers, facilitators and mentors. They value harmony and cooperation. People of the blue temperament will not really care about material things. You will really impress a blue if you wrote a poem about them, or, knit something special for them (even if it does look a bit wonky). Blues are often found in the Self Help section of the book store - careful though - they may already have all of them! Try a wall plaque that has a motivational saying, or a day out that pampers them, blues so often are caring for others. No matter what you give a blue, it will be treasured and appreciated. Blues are relationship centred; any gift that treasures your relationship with them will be welcomed.

What Personality Type is Santa Claus?

 Got your attention didn't I? If I were to guess what the Jolly Old Elf’s Type is I would say, INFJ. His NF makes him a blue temperament, meaning that his core needs are 'meaning and significance', and 'unique Identity'. Boy I'll say he's unique! – He’s the only person who can do what he does... He also gave Rudolf a special job because the other reindeer were picking on him – Typical Blue! Santa's I means that he's an Introvert he does spend 364 days at the North Pole! Introverts take their energy from inside – think of all the time he spends watching everyone. “You better watch out – you better not cry- you better not pout – I’m telling you why” – he even sees you when you’re sleeping! Santa's J means that he can be very organized. (Once a year he makes a list and checks it twice! He finds out who’s naughty and nice) His J will make him want to punish you with a lump of coal if you are ‘naughty’ – but since he is a Blue temperament – you will get a gift. Fellow type practitioners, what do you think? This is all for fun! Next Post – the Four Temperaments... what to buy for Christmas.

Is Your Cheese Old?

The parable in the little book "Who Moved My Cheese"  is all about how we react to change - or don't react to it - and what the consequences can be.


"Old Beliefs Do Not Lead You to New Cheese"

Does everything you do turn out the way you planned? Not likely... You can spend countless hours and money marketing and networking and maybe things are not percolating along the way you want. Ask yourself - am I making the same assumptions, am I doing the same things? or - am I sourcing out new cheese?

"Having Cheese Makes You Happy"

Of course it does - we all want success, we deserve it right? We worked hard! What happens when the cheese is gone? We ask - how did that happen? It's not fair! We tend to blame.

"The Quicker You Let Go Of Old Cheese, The Sooner You Find New Cheese."

Move on...that's right - get on with the adventure - step out of your comfort zone. When I try a new service or workshop out - sometimes it doesn't fly - so, I go back - turn it on its head and re-think. Usually, I end up on a completely different path from the one I intended, but that's OK - keep your eyes and ears open for new adventures, partnerships and opportunities. It will all work out.

"Move With The Cheese And Enjoy It!"

Sniff - out the situation and see change coming.
Scurry - get into and stay in action immediately.
Hem - don't be Hem - staying where you are will not work.
Haw - Haw did not believe in himself and followed Hem. Step out of your fear - be bold.

I hope this little parable will help you to Sniff and Scurry your way to success.

I Don't Wanna Grow Up!

What do I want to be when I grow up? I would be willing to bet that if you are over 50 you had not thought to ask yourself that question. Yet many Baby Boomers are finding themselves looking around for a second career. Canada has the biggest population of Boomers on the planet, many who have spent years in the corporate world with not a lot to show for their loyalty. Many are finding themselves with no pension, or an inadequate one.


Add to that the current financial situation, many cannot touch investments. So a second career for many is a necessity.

Boomers also for the most part are not ready to retire. No longer are they retiring from a job, but retiring to something else. So, where do you start? For most of us, we have adapted ourselves to the corporate world, and may have forgotten what we were really passionate about. Especially for women, with many roles - we look ahead and ask the question - who am I really?

Understanding your personality type can help you discover what activities or second career might fit you.


The Blue temperament type has a core need for meaning and significance and having a purpose in life. If there is no need for a second income, Blues will enjoy being involved with charity organizations, or painting, gardening, scrapbooking. For a second career consider, motivational speaking, coaching or consulting.


The Gold temperament type has a core need for belonging and duty. This type will likely have their finances in place. Golds will enjoy being involved with clubs, volunteer work where they will enjoy planning and organizing events. A second career for a Gold may be doing tax returns, bookkeeping, and accounting, helping others to organize their homes or offices.

The Orange temperament type has a core need for freedom and making an impact. If there is no need for an income, Oranges will enjoy playing a musical instrument, playing golf or pursue other outdoor pursuits. A second career for an Orange could be, motivational speaking, building furniture, adventure travelling and journalism.

The Green temperament type has core need for knowledge and competence. If no substitute income is required Greens will pursue intellectual pursuits, many may return to University or college just for the opportunity to learn. If work is a requirement consider consulting in the field that you are an expert in. Teach at a college, many will hire subject matter experts.

No matter what your personality type, explore the many options available to you - find the real you - the authentic you and work at or volunteer for something that gives you joy or passion. Boomers are living longer - you may as well have some fun!

Please... Don't Sell me Things!!

Please don't sell people on your product or service - sell them on what it can do for them, in other words what are the benefits? Let them ask about the features.


What turns you off as a buyer? I know what turns me off - people who are pushy and tell you that you really must have their widget, product or service. PLEASE! Cut it out... it does not work - you'll have people running for the hills! Here are some tips that apply to Personality Types, but in general whatever you are selling, make it about the client and what your product or service can do for them.

Don't sell me clothes! - If my Personality Style is Gold, tell me about how it will last, is it suitable for a business meeting. If I am Orange, tell about what a great impact I will make at the next PTA meeting.



Don't sell me a house! - If my Personality Style is Blue, sell me comfort, will my children or spouse like it - can I have friends over and have dinner parties and bar-b-ques? If I am a Green personality style - what's the carbon footprint, can I plant over the lawn? Is there room for my large collection of books?

This is just a taste of what psychology makes people buy, essentially, they will buy from YOU, and how you brand YOU. Sell your client on responsibility and belonging (GOLD), authenticity and people (BLUE), knowledge and competence (GREEN) and freedom and Impact (ORANGE).

How will you know their Style in person or over the 'phone - you won't, you will have to listen for clues and cues that tell you who you are dealing with.

Sell a solution to the client's immediate need or problem, and watch your sales numbers rise. Good luck on your journey to success!

Irene Anderson
Personal Leadership Coach