JAMES CASH PENNEY

The disciplined are free.

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

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

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

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.

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

Courteous treatment will make a customer a walking advertisement.

Clock watchers never seem to be having a good time.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

It is always the start that requires the greatest effort.

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

Exchange ideas frequently.

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.

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