At Grant Thornton, we have a culture where talented people thrive – where high performance is not just expected, but enabled. It’s a culture built on clarity, curiosity, and care. One that challenges us to aim higher, where we’re encouraged to make the most of an abundance of resources to fuel our own development, and where we support each other to grow, learn, and succeed. This statement sets out what that culture looks like - what we believe, how we behave, and what it means to all of us, every day.

A culture rooted in our values

A culture rooted in our values

We’re purposefully driven
We bring our best selves, collaborate with purpose, and grow as One Firm. We own our development, uphold quality and integrity, and focus on positive, confident client outcomes—always striving to improve.
We’re actively curious
We are curious about our clients, the economy, our firm, our people and the future. Our curiosity has a purpose – to use our knowledge and learnings for the benefit of our clients and our people.
And we’re candid, but kind
We’re people who you can relate to. We interact and approach our work in an authentic, kind and straightforward manner, driving lasting positive change and better results.

    Together, these values shape the culture we’re preserving, the culture we’re evolving and the culture we’re building – one that enables high performance in a way that’s sustainable, human, and real. They’re not just words on a page; they’re the behaviours we live by, the standards we hold ourselves to, and the mindset we bring to every challenge and opportunity.

    For us, a high performance culture...

    is not... is about...
    doing whatever it takes, regardless of impact on people 
    creating the conditions that enable people to do their best work 
    bending others to your will 
    inspiring and including others to move forward together 
    striving for perfection  
    progress over perfection - holding high standards in mind, always 
    never making mistakes 
    learning, adapting, and growing when things go wrong 
    always being right the first time 
    collaborating to reach the best possible outcome 
    expecting others to drive your career 
    being driven and intentional for your growth and development 
    individual success at all costs 
    doing what’s right for the firm as a whole, consistently 

    You might be thinking, ‘sounds great, what’s not to love?’ We’re also honest – with ourselves and our people. We’re not perfect and we don’t get things right all the time but most of our people feel like this is a place where they can do great work and do it alongside colleagues who care, leaders who recognise their contribution, and clients who value what we do.

    We won’t be right for everyone – and that’s OK. That’s true of every organisation. What matters most is that our people actively choose us, every day, as a place where they can thrive and excel. Sometimes, that choice means recognising when it’s time to move on – and we respect that too. 

    As our culture evolves, so will this statement – but our values will remain the foundation of how we grow and thrive. They guide how we show up for our clients, for each other, and for ourselves. And when we live them consistently, we create the conditions for people to thrive – individually and collectively.

    That’s what high performance means at Grant Thornton. And this is how we make it happen…

    Driven by purpose. Defined by impact

    Being purposefully driven means showing up every day with intention. It’s about more than just getting the job done - it’s about doing it with integrity, clarity, and pride. In a high-performing team, this value becomes a shared mindset: we’re not just working hard, we’re working smart, together, and with the right intent.

     

    We hold ourselves and each other to high standards - not because we’re chasing perfection, but because we care deeply about the quality of what we deliver. We do what’s right, even when it’s not easy. That means taking ownership, following through on our commitments, and being proud of the impact we make for our clients and each other.

     

    Being purposefully driven also means being proactive. We don’t wait to be told – we step forward, we learn, we improve. We invest in our technical skills and stay curious, because we know that excellence is a moving target. And we bring that same energy to every interaction, knowing that how we show up matters just as much as what we deliver.

     

    In a high-performance culture, big egos only go so far. Confidence starts from a position of trust – trust in our abilities, in each other, and in the firm we’re building. We approach challenges and conversations adult-to-adult, with the right intentions and a focus on shared success. That means staying constructive, open, and focused on solutions. Because when we’re purposefully driven and grounded in trust, we don’t just deliver great, we deliver exceptional.

    Asking the questions that move us forward

    In a high-performing team, curiosity isn’t just welcomed - it’s essential. Being actively curious means staying engaged, asking better questions, and seeking out the insights that help us deliver smarter, more relevant solutions. It’s about showing genuine interest in our clients’ businesses, understanding what matters most to them, and using that knowledge to shape advice that’s both innovative and practical.

     

    We bring the full breadth of our firm to the table - not just what we know personally, but what we know collectively. That means understanding when to challenge convention and when consistency adds value. It means knowing our services, spotting opportunities, and connecting the dots to deliver impact as one firm.

     

    Curiosity also shapes how we work together. We seek out diverse perspectives, ask great questions that move us forward, and share knowledge in ways that stick - so our impact lasts beyond the moment. We’re not afraid to talk about the things that didn’t work, because we know that learning from missteps helps ideas evolve. With an owner mindset, we stay invested in the present and future of our firm, and in the growth of those around us.

     

    In a high-performing culture, being actively curious means never settling for surface-level understanding. It’s about being bold enough to ask, open enough to listen, and committed enough to act on what we learn.

    We speak up, and lift up

    High performance doesn’t happen without honesty - and it isn’t sustainable without care. Being candid but kind means we speak up with courage and clarity, while always respecting the people around us. It’s how we build trust, create psychological safety, and make space for everyone to thrive.

     

    We’re not afraid to tackle tough challenges or have difficult conversations - because we know that’s how progress happens. We give feedback that’s timely, constructive, and grounded in evidence, not opinion. We say what needs to be said, not to criticise, but to help each other grow. And we stay open to feedback – creating space for others to share what we could do even better. It’s not about being defensive or shutting down, but about using feedback as fuel for future success and unlocking deeper levels of high performance. We choose to reflect, evolve, and keep getting better.

     

    But candour without kindness isn’t high performance - it’s just noise. That’s why we lead with empathy, look out for one another, and offer support when it’s needed most. We celebrate each other’s wins, and we deliver praise that’s authentic and meaningful.

     

    In a high-performing team, being candid but kind means we hold each other to the highest standards – and we do it with humanity. We’re honest, we’re respectful, and we never forget that we’re in this together.

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