“Stydlivka or Shy Baby”. During my childhood, this nickname crept under my skin like the grit of the Zlicin playground, where as a boy I kicked a ball with my prep school team.

In raising our little boy, I have not used this nickname, nor do I intend to use it. I turned 40 this year and I still do not know if I love or hate this innocent expression.

Whenever I have to go to a social event, I realize that I would prefer to just stay home. On the other hand, my wife would confirm that, once there, it is hard to get me to leave a party.

Just before I leave my hotel room to go to a conference hall to meet leaders from a large multinational company, I have the feeling that I would rather pack my suitcase, jump in a taxi and catch the next flight home. Since 2008 I have worked as a part-time leadership and management consultant, but I cannot seem to get beyond the feeling, just before starting the course, to simply take off. It should be noted, however, that this condition disappears as soon as I enter the conference hall. During the courses, no one has ever had reason to accuse me of shyness.

Recently, my Czech-Swedish friend Petr sold his restaurant, and after 30 years in Sweden, moved back to the Czech Republic for retirement. In the center of our town, there were and are better pubs than his Lanterna, but I liked it the most. I went there every day for lunch for three years. I met the regulars who knew Peter as well as I did. As chef and owner, Petr was quite visible. He often delivered the food to customers himself. Kidding around with Petr or some of the regular guests was the best “dessert” after a good lunch. Since the restaurant has been in someone else’s hands, I have not been there for lunch. I am not interested in rebuilding the reputation of the regulars in Lanterna or any other business. Since this summer, I have been buying lunch at a local shop. I eat my lunch in the calm of my home or on a bench on the riverside.

In Prague, I worked as an English language consultant from 2000 to 2010. I only taught group courses at companies. Helping teams reach higher language levels and thus better business results was fulfilling for me. Students appreciated my energy and enthusiasm for teaching. I would not characterize this as work; for me, it was a hobby. However, things changed radically in 2010, when we moved to Stockholm. I started to teach English, Czech and (later) Swedish online. One-to-one. Instead of a full classroom and the constant chatter of students, I suddenly squinted at the monitor screen. Personal contact with students narrowed to the various tones of their voices and facial expressions on the screen. The human voice is a fascinating communication and musical instrument. In my group courses, I sometimes thought about how students learned to use their voices correctly, as well as how to listen. After seven years of lecturing and managing my language consulting company from the comfort of my home, I can say that my job is not just a hobby. It has become a real passion. I get a lot more done at home. More creatively, more efficiently, and with greater peace of mind for self-reflection. And most of all, I am delighted that my current way of working is appreciated by my closest family, students and colleagues.

Technology, less extroversion and breaking away from the ubiquitous “teamwork” trend are gradually helping me chew up and digest the nickname “Shy Baby”.

What “version” do you prefer?

Check our online course called “Running the Railroad” to find out. 

Martin Norling, LOS Founder & CEO