Harold S. Geneen Quotes

A collection of quotes by Harold S. Geneen.

Harold S. Geneen (1910-1997) was an American businessman and executive who served as the CEO and chairman of the board of ITT Corporation, a multinational conglomerate. Born in Bournemouth, England, Geneen grew up in New York City after his family immigrated to the United States.

Geneen joined ITT in 1956 as its president and transformed the company into a global powerhouse during his tenure. Under his leadership, ITT expanded its operations into various sectors, such as telecommunications, finance, healthcare, and technology. Geneen's management style was known for its decentralized decision-making structure, streamlined operations, and a focus on bottom-line results.

He gained widespread recognition for his management principles, and his book, "Managing," published in 1984, offered valuable insight into his business philosophy. Geneen believed in empowering employees and fostering a culture of collaboration and accountability. He advocated for setting ambitious targets, rewarding high performers, and maintaining clear lines of communication throughout the organization.

Despite controversy surrounding ITT's involvement in political scandals during his leadership, Geneen remained highly respected in the business world. He retired from ITT in 1977 but remained active in various business advisory roles. Harold S. Geneen's contributions to the field of business management continue to influence leaders and entrepreneurs today.

I think it is an immutable law in business that words are wo

I think it is an immutable law in business that words are words, explanations are explanations, promises are promises - but only performance is reality.

Harold S. Geneen

You cannot run a business, or anything else, on a theory.

You cannot run a business, or anything else, on a theory.

Harold S. Geneen

The worst disease which can afflict executives in their work

The worst disease which can afflict executives in their work is not, as popularly supposed, alcoholism; it's egotism.

Harold S. Geneen

In the business world, everyone is paid in two coins: cash a

In the business world, everyone is paid in two coins: cash and experience. Take the experience first; the cash will come later.

Harold S. Geneen

In business, words are words; explanations are explanations,

In business, words are words; explanations are explanations, promises are promises, but only performance is reality.

Harold S. Geneen

Leadership cannot really be taught. It can only be learned.

Leadership cannot really be taught. It can only be learned.

Harold S. Geneen

Every company has two organizational structures: The formal

Every company has two organizational structures: The formal one is written on the charts the other is the everyday relationship of the men and women in the organization.

Harold S. Geneen

It is much more difficult to measure nonperformance than per

It is much more difficult to measure nonperformance than performance.

Harold S. Geneen

Management must manage!

Management must manage!

Harold S. Geneen

The five essential entrepreneurial skills for success: Conce

The five essential entrepreneurial skills for success: Concentration, Discrimination, Organization, Innovation and Communication.

Harold S. Geneen

It is an immutable law in business that words are words, exp

It is an immutable law in business that words are words, explanations are explanations, promises are promises-but only performance is reality.

Harold S. Geneen

I think it is an immutable law in business that words are wo

I think it is an immutable law in business that words are words, explanations are explanations, promises are promises -- but only performance is reality.

Harold S. Geneen

Management manages by making decisions and by seeing that th

Management manages by making decisions and by seeing that those decisions are implemented.

Harold S. Geneen

It is much more difficult to measure non-performance than pe

It is much more difficult to measure non-performance than performance. Performance stands out like a ton of diamonds. Non-performance can almost always be explained away.

Harold S. Geneen

When you have mastered numbers, you will in fact no longer b

When you have mastered numbers, you will in fact no longer be reading numbers, any more than you read words when reading books You will be reading meanings.

Harold S. Geneen

The best way to inspire people to superior performance is to

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.

Harold S. Geneen

The worst disease which can afflict business executives in t

The worst disease which can afflict business executives in their work is not, as popularly supposed, alcoholism it's egotism.

Harold S. Geneen

I don't believe in just ordering people to do things. You ha

I don't believe in just ordering people to do things. You have to sort of grab an oar and row with them.

Harold S. Geneen

Do you want my one-word secret of happiness -- It's growth -

Do you want my one-word secret of happiness -- It's growth -- mental, financial, you name it.

Harold S. Geneen

Managers in all too many American companies do not achieve t

Managers in all too many American companies do not achieve the desired results because nobody makes them do it.

Harold S. Geneen