22 Quotes & Sayings By James Cash Penney

James Cash Penney was born in in Indian Territory (now Oklahoma) in 1852. He started work in his father's store when he was five years old, and when he was just thirteen years old, he took over the business entirely. By the age of twenty-six, James had become the wealthiest man in the territory.

1
So I come back again to the condition that the Golden Rule, if one adopts it, is a difficult master to serve. The ship’s captain will not throw the compass overboard because the wind blows fair and the day is funny. For he knows, from the experiences of the ocean’s instability, that the danger days of storm are always “just ahead.” So the compass must always be handy and obedience to it must always be loyal. And so with the Golden Rulle–the compass must be ever at hand through life’s journey. It will see us through trying times. And perhaps the most trying of all times comes when success is riding high and we may be tempted to “throw the compass overboard.” It is then we must remember that all good days in human life come from the mastery of the days of trouble that are forever recurrent. James Cash Penney
2
The keystone of successful business is cooperation. Friction retards progress. James Cash Penney
3
A merchant who approaches business with the idea of serving the public well has nothing to fear from the competition. James Cash Penney
4
Exchange ideas frequently. James Cash Penney
5
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. James Cash Penney
6
No business can succeed in any great degree without being properly organized. James Cash Penney
7
I believe in trusting men, not only once but twice - in giving a failure another chance. James Cash Penney
8
The art of effective listening is essential to clear communication, and clear communication is necessary to management success. James Cash Penney
9
Every man must decide for himself whether he shall master his world or be mastered by it. James Cash Penney
10
I do not believe in excuses. I believe in hard work as the prime solvent of life's problems. James Cash Penney
11
The greatest teacher I know is the job itself. James Cash Penney
12
The five separate fingers are five independent units. Close them and the fist multiplies strength. This is organization. James Cash Penney
13
The best teamwork comes from men who are working independently toward one goal in unison. James Cash Penney
14
Clock watchers never seem to be having a good time. James Cash Penney
15
Growth is never by mere chance it is the result of forces working together. James Cash Penney
16
Luck is always the last refuge of laziness and incompetence. James Cash Penney
17
Honor bespeaks worth. Confidence begets trust. Service brings satisfaction. Cooperation proves the quality of leadership. James Cash Penney
18
Responsibilities are given to him on whom trust rests. Responsibility is always a sign of trust. James Cash Penney
19
Salesmanship, too, is an art; the perfection of its technique requires study and practice. James Cash Penney
20
Success cannot come from standstill men. Methods change and men must change with them. James Cash Penney
21
Change is vital, improvement the logical form of change. James Cash Penney