Quotes from James Cash Penney

It is always the start that requires the greatest effort.

Every great business is built on friendship.

Courteous treatment will make a customer a walking advertisement.

Intelligence is the effort to do the best you can at your particular job; the quality that gives dignity to that job, whether it happens to be scrubbing a floor or running a corporation.

The thought in my mind was that I must be a good merchant. If I were a good merchant, the rest would probably take care of itself.

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

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

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.

The disciplined are free.

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

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

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

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.

No man can climb the ladder of success without first placing his foot on the bottom rung.

Success will always be measured by the extent to which we serve the buying public.

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

The greatest teacher I know is the job itself.

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

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

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.

Clock watchers never seem to be having a good time.

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.

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

Exchange ideas frequently.