James Cash Penney

“I am grateful for all of my problems. After each one was overcome, I became stronger and more able to meet those that were still to come. I grew in all my difficulties.”

“I had to pick myself up and get on with it, do it all over again, only even better this time.”

“There is only one boss. The customer. And he can fire everybody in the company from the chairman on down, simply by spending his money somewhere else.”

“Clock watchers never seem to be having a good time.”

“Do not primarily train men to work. Train them to serve willingly and intelligently.”

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

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

“The greatest teacher I know is the job itself.”

“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.”

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

“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.”

“It is always the start that requires the greatest effort.”