Harry Gordon Selfridge Quotes

The boss inspires fear; the leader inspires enthusiasm. The boss says 'I'; The leader says 'We'.

The consumer is always right.

The boss says 'Go'; the leader says 'Let's go!'

The boss drives people; the leader coaches them. The boss depends on authority; the leader on good will. The boss inspires fear; the leader inspires enthusiasm. The boss says I; The leader says WE. The boss fixes the blame for the breakdown; the leader fixes the breakdown. The boss says, GO; the leader says Lets GO!

Treat [the customer] as guests when they come and when they go, whether or not they buy. Give them all that can be given fairly, on the principle that ‘to him that giveth shall be given’. Remember always that the recollection of quality remains long after the price is forgotten. Then your business will prosper by a natural process.

Excite the mind, and the hand will reach for the pocket.

The boss depends on authority; the leader on goodwill.

Get the confidence of the public and you will have no difficulty in getting their patronage.

The boss drives people; The leader coaches them.

The customer is always right.

There are no hard times for good ideas.

The boss says 'I'; the leader, 'we'.

Whenever I may be tempted to slack up and let the business run for awhile on its own impetus, I picture my competitor sitting at a desk in his opposition house, thinking and thinking with the most devilish intensity and clearness, and I ask myself what I can do to be prepared for his next brilliant move.