The books that resonated with me in 2024

Last year was not ideal for my reading. I just had no pleasure anymore from reading. The volume of new books dropped to 17, I also re-read a few books, where I chose mostly works by Patrick Lencioni, mostly aligned with my work. Grouped thematically with no order in particular.

Business

Every year, I choose an area or two where I would like to learn more. Last year, I decided to gain new ideas from organizational development — about the theories behind creating strategy and how to motivate people to grow. An unexpected encounter with Piotr Trojanowski reminded me that good organizations need to deliver a broader impact.

1. Principles of the Bata Management System — Zdeněk Rybka

A sophisticated and simple managerial system of values and principles governed once the world’s leading manufacturing organization — Bata Shoes Company. The book provides a look at its various elements and how they translate into the everyday reality of organizational life. It demanded action and broad thinking in a meritocratic environment with almost no politics. It is a system that delivers for customers, people, communities, towns, and the country.

2. Playing to Win: How Strategy Really Works — Roger L. Martin, A. G. Lafley
What is the strategy, and what are the elements it breaks into? How to…