Handwriting analysis: Made of the write stuff

It can be so telling that many companies use it to assess their top executives. Graphologists say a signature represents how a person wants to be seen by the world, so Retail Week asked Elaine Quigley, psychologist and former chair of the British Institute of Graphologists, to scrutinise some of the industry figureheads’ autographs

Sir Philip Green, Arcadia and Bhs owner

This is a sensual, flowing signature, with complete non-disclosure of thoughts and feelings. However, it gives the impression of someone who people will want to try to get to know better.

The long, undulating line to the right makes connection with people, but on his terms. He doesn’t want to talk about himself or his feelings, preferring to watch and wait, see how things develop and then gradually throw some ideas into the ring.

The first part of the signature shows an interest in the good things in life and a lot of pent-up energy that is ready to be used when he feels it is appropriate.

As a whole, the picture indicates a good business sense – someone who knows the value of things and how to make them attractive so that people will want to enjoy them. All the signs point to this being a man who is in the driving seat and who people cannot take liberties with in terms of his space.

Mike Clare, Dreams founder

It is evident this man sees goals and his achievements to be more important than pushing his ego. The strength of the signature is in its readability and confidence, showing that he takes an optimistic view of his chances. The wide capitals show that he can be strong enough to go for what he believes to be the best option. He likes this freedom of choice and would hate to be hemmed in or managed by someone else. He needs to be his own man and feel that all he surveys is under his control, that he can make decisions that will make a difference because he has the power to do so.

He’s not pretentious or likely to make a big show of anything he does. His way is to go about his purpose confidently, but only making comments he feels are necessary. He doesn’t like being questioned or criticised once he has started something, because the time to make a point has passed. If people want to comment on a plan of action, they should do so in the early stages.

However, with those strongly rising lines, he refuses to take a dim view. If he wants to do something, it needs to be done positively and he’s able to motivate both himself and his colleagues because he refuses to believe what he wants is not available. There is a series of triangles in the lower zone, which can mean frustration, because spokes have been put in the wheels of what he plans to do. This doesn’t mean that he is beaten. He’s not going to listen to what he believes to be defeatism.

Stuart Rose, Marks & Spencer chief executive

This enigmatic signature, with strong movement and a decisive angle, could only have been made by a man who is confident and at ease with who he is. The initial S is clear and shows a friendly starting point, but once he has entered into a situation he gives little away. Instead, he leaves other people to run conversations and comes in when he has something he wishes to contribute.

This is a strong silent type who takes notice but doesn’t rush into anything until he has gathered all the information he wants and is ready to make a decision. The final shape in the signature finishes without meeting the baseline, showing that he won’t be rushed into anything. This is reinforced by the full stop, indicating that he will invite further discourse if and when he is ready.

He is not cold or aloof, but independent and safe with his own judgement. He will always be the one in the driving seat, without being overtly aggressive or critical. Once he has established his position and standards, he can then be pleasant and interactive without having to reiterate his power and ability to control.

Mohamed Fayed, Harrods owner

This is someone who believes in himself and his ability to reach his targets. The long, lower zone strokes with the wide loops show his activity and money-making ability, the angularity shows a probing mind and the good layout indicates he is a planner. The right slant suggests he communicates and connects with people, but for a purpose, rather than to make small-talk. And the starting hooks on the strokes are a sign of acquisition. He does everything with an end in mind, not just as a diversion.

This is a man who is observant and able to screen his intentions. The tall strokes in his writing indicate ambitions and goals, which are not disclosed until he is ready. The front signature area is right-slanted and looped, with the emphasis on friendliness and warmth, but when it comes to the crunch, this is a businessman first and foremost. There is no quarter given if he needs to stand his ground. He is able to make a statement and keep making it until he has firmly presented his information and had it accepted.

He is focused on putting down roots and operating from a strong base and never counts on anything until he has a sound basis for trusting that it is firmly in place and that he will be able to rely upon it.

Paul Kelly, Selfridges chief executive

This is an interesting signature because it implies rather than shouts and, while being readable, it slants to the left, showing that he wants to be his own man, even though he is upfront and friendly as a general rule. There are hooks on some strokes and the contrast of a flowing performance, so action is likely to be understated, even though he is determined to get what he wants.

The lower zone of the script, with its very large left loop, shows a strong connection with family and its influence. What is clear, though, is that he is also emotionally independent, with firm views and the ability to take control, along with a determination to win even against the odds.

Loops in the upper zone show his tendency to think things through and consider various options, so he will not be rushed into decisions and will always want to make them on his terms. He also likes to establish a strong base for anything he undertakes to ensure that he builds something worthwhile, rather than taking risks and jumping to conclusions.

This is a signature of contradictions, with clear milestones, but flexible connections. This means that he likes to have markers for what he wants to happen, but leave himself free to adapt and adjust as things unfold. He wants to know what he has to achieve and the resources he has to do so, but also enjoys the adventure of finding out the best way to do it, through resourcefulness and ingenuity, operating within clear parameters.

George Davies

The signature is both light-hearted and diligent, which sounds contradictory, but in fact reflects the enjoyment this man takes in what he does. It is readable and attractive in its presentation and, with the final s being larger and combined with the rest of the signature, shows someone who is both comfortable with the status quo, but also willing to forge ahead with change when confronted with the need to move forward.

He needs targets and reasons to get down to action. It is under pressure that he becomes creative, so there needs to be an outside reason for him to be active. If he’s left to himself and he’s just finished a task that he is happy with, he wants to savour the moment, but if he knows people are expecting something more from him, he can move back into action and will do his best to raise his efforts to new heights.

His challenge is to do the next task better than the previous one. He’s not competitive against others so much as competitive against himself and, if he can surprise people by coming up with something better than they expect, that is very satisfying for him.

Rob Templeman, Debenhams chief executive

This elegant signature shows a soft centre, but high ambition. The writing in the middle zone is rounded and also has some sharp points, indicating that heart and mind often challenge each other for supremacy. However, the visionary approach shown in the upper zone loops indicates that this is an ideas man – someone who can come up with original angles that have been gestating in his mind for a while and become crystalised when there is a need for them.

Gentle variations in the baseline show he is sensitive to atmosphere, but also that he is able to make clear and focused judgements, without emotion, when he needs to. The unadorned vertical strokes in the p and l are clear and to the point. Once he knows that something fits the bill, he employs it directly. This is a potent package of skills and charm, the underline showing his confidence and presence, but the downward direction telling us that he’s also cautious and doesn’t take anything at face value. This man should never be underestimated, because he has a quiet strength that enables him to get what he wants without having to be overtly aggressive.

Belinda Earl, Jaeger chief executive

This is unfussy and no-nonsense presentation, with the middle-zone letters – which reflect the ego and day-to-day experiences – clear and simplified. The capitals are uncluttered and without dramatic dimensions, so it is fair to assume she is straight with people, likes to tell it as it is and doesn’t expect to play on sympathies; she likes to deal with people who can stand up for themselves and be counted.

Emotion doesn’t come into the reckoning, because that is not part of getting on with the task. The lower case e that has a strong central stroke to the right shows she can push forward into action firmly and make things happen. The signature shows this is an assertive personality. The emphasis is on the first name, indicating that she doesn’t want to stand on ceremony. The surname is less detailed, so she is likely to drop formality and get on with people and business without preliminary chat and time-wasting.

Nick Hollingworth, Austin Reed chief executive

This signature is very interesting, because it looks like a snooker player potting a ball. The rising baseline indicates ambition that sees sensible opportunities as attainable. The fact that the signature takes up a small space shows this writer doesn’t seek a dominant position, but wants to influence at the point of action, where things happen, rather than where policies and projects are formed.

The analogy of a snooker player fits his approach of undertaking careful preparation before making a move. That way, he knows he is dealing with the important issues, rather than letting side issues cloud his judgement.

There are hooks at both ends of each of the continuous strokes, which means that he doesn’t give up easily, but hangs on until he has achieved what he wants.

He will be seen as dogged and persistent, but with flair and as someone who will not show his hand until he is ready. There is nothing spelt out in this signature - it leaves a lot to the imagination. It would be a challenge to anticipate his next move.

Theo Paphitis, Ryman chairman

Ambition is the strongest element in this signature, because it is reaching for the sky in various ways.

The inky texture shows a sensory nature and indicates that a good visual memory for both colour and faces enables him to handle people pleasantly and present things in a way that others will find attractive.

The loop on the p stem in the signature shows pent-up energy, which is also evident in the end stroke, which is heading skywards. This is a man who never rests on his laurels, but always needs a challenge. He couldn’t live a quiet existence – it would make him incredibly frustrated.

Those around him will never be able to take it easy, because he is always coming up with new ideas and challenges and will motivate and expect them to share his energy and enthusiasm in meeting them effectively. The firmness of the down strokes shows just how much he cares about reaching goals and doing what he believes to be worthwhile. Small challenges are not for him. He sets targets high and assumes that he will meet them. Working with him is always something of an exciting roller coaster of energy and he makes you strive just that bit more than is comfortable, but the resulting satisfaction when success arrives makes it worthwhile.

Terry Green, Tesco clothing chief executive

This is a lively and confident signature. The hook on the initial T shows tenacity and determination to hold out until he gets what he wants, not just to uphold his reputation, but for his own benefit. The descender on the G shows that he needs to put down a root from which he can confidently move forward. And this is of a man of common sense and practicality – there are no airs and graces, he tells it as it is.

He likes to gather information rather than rush into explanations, so when he has to present his case he has a head full of facts that are arranged in a clear order.

Not only is he practical and able to speak to people on their terms, but he can also be expedient. His sensory and objective approach enables him to be very specific and pertinent. Finally, the underline extension of the last letter shows confidence and an ability to fit into most situations and stay in control.

Don McCarthy, House of Fraser chairman

This signature is very difficult to decipher. What comes through from the large size and right slant is that this is a man who wants to make contact and be available in his professional capacity, but on his own terms.

The first name is undecipherable. One might make an inspired guess at the initial D, but it really would only be a guess. The surname is more recognisable, though that isn’t very clear either. This all means that, although he is happy to be part of the action when going about his business on a day-to-day basis, he is much more self-contained when meeting and greeting in a frontman capacity.

He may come across as friendly and interested, but people will not be able to get close until he chooses to let them.

Tom Singh, New Look founder

This is an emotional signature that doesn’t give anything away. The tall, right-slanted down-stroke shows ambition and high ideals. The middle zone is undemonstrative and fluent, enabling him to operate efficiently without making a show of his thoughts. He is practical and hands-on, but also likes to know that those in his team bring their individual talents.

He is people-centred, because others matter to him. By instinct, he likes to be helpful and giving, but doesn’t want people to take advantage, so he keeps things to himself until he sees that some advice or support is needed.

There is sensory energy that leads him to trust his gut reaction, but there is also an analytical element to his thinking, a combination that is effective in the business world. Although he is independent and confident, he doesn’t take anything for granted and is very aware of the dynamics of an interpersonal situation, guiding and encouraging those who respond well to his support and staying alert when he thinks people may have a different agenda.

He can be charming, but is very focused. Nothing is too much trouble if people are genuinely in need or come to him for advice. His ultimate aim is not to work just for himself, but for all those who look to him for support and share the same goals.

Jane Shepherdson, former Topshop brand director

This is not someone to jump into things lightly. She weighs the pros and cons before getting involved and shows quick intelligence, so she will always be on the ball and won’t be manipulated. She knows how to think on her feet and though she doesn’t want to do this under pressure, once she is up and running on a task, things seem to fall into place naturally and she goes from strength to strength.

The thread connection through the signature indicates she likes to keep her options open until properly informed. The right slant shows she is receptive and pleasant, but not easy to pin down until she wants to be.

Mark Newton-Jones, Littlewoods Shop Direct chief executive

This inky writing shows a man who has a good visual memory and is responsive to colour and sensory things, where he knows instinctively what seems right. The upright direction of the writing shows independence, but there is also an emotional undertone in the loops and the heavy pressure of the pen.

Artistic emphasis in the letter shapes shows that he means business, knows what he likes and intends to get it. He has a clear sense of responsibility and the loops indicate his sensitivity - he dislikes people jumping in with comment before they know all the facts. He is deliberate and careful, so if people wait until he is ready to make a presentation, they will see that he has indeed got everything right, as he always intended.

The signature is very individual and all those loops in the upper zone indicate that he is a man who knows his own mind. He can be idiosyncratic in his ways of doing things, but that puts his stamp on the project. The signature has a slightly rising baseline, showing optimism, and the added full stop after the name suggests that he has the last word. He expects people to recognise that his common-sense approach and understanding of what works can be trusted.

Tim Danaher, Retail Week editor

This is a non-committal signature. His staff will find him demanding, but fair and impatient, but facilitating, so they often manage to achieve more by knowing that they don’t want to let him down.

If he has decided that he wants something done a certain way, there is no arguing with him. What he believes to be the best option will be maintained and people will learn that he knows what he wants. In some ways, he’s a big softie, but in others, he is very focused and will be quick to pick up on something that isn’t quite right. If a person needs help, he will give support, but he can also be aware when there is an ulterior motive coming into the equation.

The loop on the initial T, combined with the undulating line, indicates that he is warm and pleasant in an abstract sort of way, but tends to be his own man and will not allow others to control or advise him. They can make suggestions and he may well take them up, but he will be the final arbiter and although he’ll do what he does because he thinks it will benefit those concerned, he will be the one to decide.