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.

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

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

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.

The greatest teacher I know is the job itself.

Luck is always the last refuge of laziness and incompetence.

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.

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

The disciplined are free.

Every great business is built on friendship.

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.

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

The Golden Rule finds no limit of application in business.

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

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

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

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.

Clock watchers never seem to be having a good time.

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.

Exchange ideas frequently.

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

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

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

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

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

The public is not greatly interested in saving a little money on a purchase at the expense of service.

Business is no longer a matter of profits alone. Profits must come through public confidence, and public confidence is given to any merchant in proportion to the service which he gives to the public.

A store's best advertisement is the service its goods render, for upon such service rest the future, the good-will, of an organization.

I will have no man work for me who has not the capacity to become a partner.

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