Quotes By James Cash Penney

The Golden Rule finds no limit of application in business.

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

Luck is always the last refuge of laziness and incompetence.

We get real results only in proportion to the real values we give.

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.

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

It is always the start that requires the greatest effort.

Salesmanship is limitless. Our very living is selling. We are all salespeople.

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

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

The disciplined are free.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Courteous treatment will make a customer a walking advertisement.

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

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

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

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

Selling is our No. 1 job. Never get away from selling a lot of merchandise personally. The more you sell the more you learn.

No business can succeed in any great degree without being properly organized.

Exchange ideas frequently.

It is the service we are not obliged to give that people value most.

No company can afford not to move forward. It may be at the top of the heap today but at the bottom of the heap tomorrow, if it doesn't.

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.

No serious-minded man should have time for the mediocre in any phase of his living.