Here are a dozen quotes on a decent approach to the world of business from the legendary, American corporate leader Harold S. Geneen.

• The worst disease which can afflict executives in their work is not, as popularly supposed, alcoholism; it’s egotism.
• You can’t run a business or anything else on a theory.
• In business, words are words; explanations are explanations, promises are promises, but only performance is reality.
• Leadership is practiced not so much in words as in attitude and in actions.
• Leadership cannot really be taught, it can only be learned.
• Better a good decision quickly than the best decision too late.
• A true leader has to have a genuine open-door policy so that his people are not afraid to approach him for any reason.
• I don’t believe in just ordering people to do things. You have to sort of grab an oar and row with them.
• The best way to inspire people to superior performance is to convince them by everything you do and by your everyday attitude that you are wholeheartedly supporting them.
• The only unforgivable sin in business is to run out of cash.
• Telephones, hotels, insurance—it’s all the same. If you know the numbers inside out, you know the company inside out.
• In the business world, everyone is paid in two coins: Cash and Experience. Take the experience first. The cash will come later.

Chris George, providing reliable PR & GR counsel and effective advocacy. Need a go-to writer and experienced communicator? 613-983-0801 @ CG&A COMMUNICATIONS.