Surprise and Delight: The Key to Transforming Your Coaching Practice and Inspiring Clients

Why “Surprise and Delight” Matters in Coaching

Recently, I had the joy of experiencing something truly memorable.

A surprise stay at the W Sydney in Darling Harbour gifted to me and my husband by my very thoughtful children.

No, it wasn’t just another hotel visit. It was a Masterclass in creativity, humour, and innovation!

From the glowing giant pink "W" at the entrance, the giant stuffed toy shark ?? that greeted us in our hotel room, to the infinity lights and stunning themes around each corner, every nook and cranny of this new hotel offers surprise and delight.

(Watch my short video below to see my husband wrestling with the shark ???? and the amazing colours and hotel décor).

This experience gave me a refreshed perspective and curiosity, not only in how I see our world but also in how I approach my career coaching practice.

It highlighted to me that, as coaches, we too have the responsibility and opportunity to surprise and delight our clients.

When we challenge the status quo and approach coaching with creativity and intention, we can deliver transformational results that stay with our clients long after our coaching sessions are over.

Just like the feeling of wonder that has stayed with me days after our W Hotel stay this week!

I’ve been a career coach for over 24 years and every year I make a point of reassessing what I do, how I do it, and how I can enable my clients to stay up to date with what the current job market requires.

Keeping a creative and open mind with new ideas isn’t always easy but it’s a challenge that I embrace and I love gaining inspiration from the most unusual places.

[My regular readers of this newsletter may remember the coaching parallels I drew from a delicious meal at The Peking Garden in Hong Kong when I was given a golden hammer to crack open the Beggar’s Chicken ?? dish! Read the full story here].

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Challenging the Status Quo

The W Hotel’s design philosophy centres on "The Larrikin", a playful, irreverent spirit that challenges norms and injects humour ?? into unexpected places.

For me, this mindset was a revelation. It’s easy for all of us, career coaches included, to settle into routines and rely on tried-and-true methods.

But what may happen should we decide to break the mould, step out of our routine and challenge the status-quo?

When was the last time you introduced something unexpected into your coaching practice?

How often do you look for ways to inject joy, creativity, or a fresh perspective into your sessions?

These questions were at the forefront of my mind after my stay at the W Hotel.

It reaffirmed to me that challenging the status quo doesn’t mean abandoning professionalism. It means EMBRACING INNOVATION to create lasting positive impact.

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The Power of Creativity in Career Coaching

In my 24 years as a career coach, author of Navigating Career Crossroads and LinkedIn Top Voice (Careers & Job Search), I’ve learned that creativity is a powerful tool for transformation.

For example, during corporate workshops on career development, I provide participants with "fun" materials to help them get out of a ‘Stuck Mindset’.

Participants have access to pipe cleaners in rainbow ?? colours, feathers ??, and colourful lolly sticks ?? alongside traditional resources on their tables.

These materials aren’t just for decoration. They encourage participants to play, spark childlike curiosity, create something innovative, and foster out-of-the-box thinking.

This simple exercise leads to laughter, engagement, and a sense of competition as participants vie for the most creative creation, with prizes like my book, Navigating Career Crossroads on offer!

Most importantly, these activities while considering their career direction opens their minds to new possibilities which is a key element in career development and career transition.

Stepping outside the box can lead to profound breakthroughs for my clients.

By integrating creative elements, you, too, can help your clients approach challenges with fresh energy and perspective. Below are some of the fun creations from my Career Development Journey Workshops by economists, scientists, lawyers and hoteliers over the years.

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Building a Brand That Surprises and Delights

As coaches, we don’t just deliver services, we also build brands.

Part of my brand is offering a variety of tools and resources that surprise and delight my clients, helping them connect with me and, in turn, their target companies in meaningful ways.

My career podcast, YOUR CAREER PODCAST with Jane Jackson, for instance, has reached hundreds of thousands of listeners, sharing career advice and interviews with inspiring career changers (many of whom are my past career transition clients).

I also offer an online Career Success Quiz that provides instant analysis, recommendations for improvement and insights, e-books on career transitions, easy checklists, free career webinars, LinkedIn Live broadcasts, and more.

These resources aren’t just about adding value, they’re about creating an experience.

They give potential clients a sense of my expertise, personality, and approach before they even meet me.? I always think that career management and development, although a serious and important part of your life, should also be FUN!

What can you offer that surprises and delights your clients while also setting you apart?

Perhaps you can create a unique resource, a fun workshop element, or even something as simple as a personalised thank-you note.

Branding is about connection, and small surprises that make someone smile often make the biggest impact.

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The Emotional Impact of Surprising Your Clients

Surprise and delight aren’t just fun, they’re powerful emotional tools.

They help clients feel valued, understood, and inspired. My Career Success Quiz, beyond being a practical tool, it’s designed to be engaging, encouraging self-reflection and curiosity.

Clients are delighted by the immediate, tailored insights they receive and discover the specific actions that will improve their career prospects.

Similarly, personal touches, like sending clients curated resources or following up with encouraging notes, can turn an ordinary coaching experience into a memorable one.

These moments of care build trust, deepen relationships, and create loyal advocates for your brand.

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Practical Tools for Coaches to Delight Their Clients

Here are a few practical ways to incorporate surprise and delight into your coaching practice:

1.??? Introduce Creative Elements:

Whether it’s competitions, hands-on activities, or vision boards, find ways to make sessions interactive and engaging.

2.??? Offer High-Value Resources:

Quizzes, e-books, or webinars that provide real insights while showcasing your expertise.

3.??? Personalise the Experience:

Follow up with thoughtful notes, tailored advice, or even a small e-gift that aligns with your client’s goals.

4.??? Leverage Technology:

Tools like online assessments or interactive platforms can make the coaching process more dynamic and rewarding.

These simple actions can transform how your clients experience coaching and set you apart in a competitive field.

Want to see these in action? You'll find many of these suggestions in action on my websites at www.janejacksoncoach.com and www.thecareersacademy.online

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How “Surprise and Delight” Benefits Your Clients and You

Incorporating surprise and delight isn’t just good for your clients, it’s good for you too.

For clients, it creates memorable experiences that inspire action and foster growth.

For you as a coach, it keeps your practice fresh, creative, and rewarding.

When I look back on my stay at the W Hotel, I’m reminded of how the unexpected can shift perspectives and generate ideas.

That same principle applies to coaching.

Whether you’re helping clients navigate career transitions or tackle challenges, injecting creativity and joy into your practice can lead to extraordinary outcomes.

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Challenging the Status Quo in Your Practice

As career coaches, we have the unique privilege of guiding clients through some of the most transformative moments of their lives.

To do that effectively, we must continually challenge ourselves, our assumptions, our routines, and our methods.

What will YOU do to surprise and delight your clients this year?

How will you challenge the status quo in your coaching practice?

By embracing creativity to find ways to surprise, and delight all those with whom we work, we enrich our own lives as well as the lives of others.

Want to find out more and work together with me to transform your practice or help your employees to take control of their careers?

Email: [email protected]

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Get my book:? Navigating Career Crossroads

Believe in yourself and create magic!

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