James Cash Penney Quotes

Salesmanship, too, is an art; the perfection of its technique requires study and practice.

The best teamwork comes from men who are working independently toward one goal in unison.

As a rule, we find what we look for; we achieve what we get ready for.

How can we expect our children to know and experience the joy of giving unless we teach them that the greater pleasure in life lies in the art of giving rather than receiving.

Growth is never by mere chance; it is the result of forces working together.

It is always the start that requires the greatest effort.

The five separate fingers are five independent units. Close them and the fist multiplies strength. This is organization.

The art of effective listening is essential to clear communication, and clear communication is necessary to management success.

The well-satisfied customer will bring the repeat sale that counts.

Honor bespeaks worth. Confidence begets trust. Service brings satisfaction. Cooperation proves the quality of leadership.

The keystone of successful business is cooperation. Friction retards progress.

I believe in trusting men, not only once but twice - in giving a failure another chance.

The men who have furnished me with my greatest inspiration have not been men of wealth, but men of deeds.

Luck is always the last refuge of laziness and incompetence.

The greatest teacher I know is the job itself.

In setting up a business under the name and meaning of the Golden Rule, I was publicly binding myself, in my business relations, to a principle which had been a real and intimate part of my family upbringing. Our idea was to make money and build business through serving the community with fair dealing and honest value.

In every man s life there lies latent energy. There is, however, a spark that, if kindled, will set the whole being afire, and he will become a human dynamo, capable of accomplishing almost anything to which he aspires.

Every man must decide for himself whether he shall master his world or be mastered by it.

They serve best who give most of themselves. Self is forgotten by the one who serves, for such a one rejoices to see success coming to others through his or her efforts.

The problem with the bronco is to get on and stay on. This is the problem with the Golden Rule-to understand and apply

Responsibilities are given to him on whom trust rests. Responsibility is always a sign of trust.

I do not believe in excuses. I believe in hard work as the prime solvent of life's problems.

Every great business is built on friendship.

The disciplined are free.

A merchant who approaches business with the idea of serving the public well has nothing to fear from the competition.

The friendly smile, the word of greeting, are certainly something fleeting and seemingly insubstantial. You can’t take them with you. But they work for good beyond your power to measure their influence. It is the service we are not obliged to give that people value most.

Success cannot come from standstill men. Methods change and men must change with them.

In retailing, the formula happens to be a basic liking for human beings, plus integrity, plus industry, plus the ability to see the other fellow's point of view.

Determine to do some thinking for yourself. Don't live entirely upon the thoughts of others. Don't be an automaton.

I learned that all things come to those who wait-provided they hustle while they wait.

Change is vital, improvement the logical form of change.

Honor bespeaks worth Confidence begets trust.

There's no better friend to any merchant than a fair competitor.

I cannot remember a time when the Golden Rule was not my motto and precept, the torch that guided my footsteps.

The Golden Rule finds no limit of application in business.

The best of merchandise will go back to the shelf unless handled by a conscientious, tactful salesman.

The best way to stop a bad habit is never to begin it.

I believe a man is better anchored who has a belief in the Supreme Being.

There has never been a time when a career in the Penney Company was not a challenge that brought out the best in a man.

Courteous treatment will make a customer a walking advertisement.

My definition of an executive's job is brief and to the point. It is simply this: Getting things done through other people.

It was always my practice to train salespeople under my direct supervision, and to treat children with the utmost consideration.

I was long brought up to think that it was nothing short of a crime to miss a sale.

Men are not great or small because of their material possessions. They are great or small because of what they are.

I never trust an executive who tends to pass the buck. Nor would I want to deal with him as a customer or a supplier.

Theory is splendid but until put into practice, it is valueless.

Clock watchers never seem to be having a good time.

Exchange ideas frequently.

No matter what his position or experience in life, there is in everyone more latent than developed ability; far more unused than used power.

Too many would-be executives are slaves of routine.