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!

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.