The RSM DNA connects us all

At RSM, we have a particular way of doing things that makes us unique. Our purpose and our values define who we are and, in a similar way to a person’s DNA, give a structure to how we behave, how we grow and how we share that way of working with others. This is what our clients and our people experience when they work with, or for, RSM.

At the heart of our brand, The Power of Being Understood is our brand promise. It is the backbone of the RSM DNA.

We are Curious

We ask probing questions and seek diverse perspectives to gain deeper understanding, challenge thinking and generate new ideas. We are genuinely interested, eager to learn more by listening and then acting, in order to strengthen relationships based on true understanding.

We show our curiosity when we:

• Ask questions
• Seek different perspectives to inform our work
• Spend time reading and learning
• Share our new ideas and insight

When we approach our work and our relationships with a sense of curiosity, rather than assuming we have the answers, we strengthen relationships and demonstrate our commitment to understanding.

We are Collaborative

We believe that collaboration leads to better outcomes and we seek and share diverse perspectives to encourage innovative thinking to solve problems and enable others to seize opportunities. We also have the humility to accept when other people’s way of thinking might create a better outcome.

We demonstrate collaboration when we:

• Ask for people’s opinions or perspectives
• Cultivate diversity and include others
• Reflect differing points of view in our questioning and recommendations
• Connect across teams within the firm and the wider network

The challenges we tackle in our business and for clients are tough, and no one person can have all the answers. By gathering diverse perspectives and collaborating effectively, each of us will be stronger and we will be better able to help others achieve their best.

We are Critical Thinkers

We digest, apply and communicate complex information and concepts with clarity, objectivity and depth, and bring our best thinking and advice to help others make confident decisions. We explore new ideas and share insight in an open, positive and transparent way.

We demonstrate critical thinking when we:

• Spend time learning new things
• Think deeply about issues and opportunities
• Bring together diverse inputs into a cohesive perspective
• Share ideas and insights with others

We evolve our thinking to match the changes in the world around us and commit to continuous learning and development to ensure we perform as true first-choice advisors.

We are Caring

We build strong, long term relationships by understanding others and their aspirations and remaining empathetic to their unique challenges, needs and preferences. With a natural and friendly approach, we demonstrate interest in, and respect for, what matters most to others.

We show that we care by:

• Being interested in and concerned about others
• Understanding their goals, challenges and aspirations
• Showing empathy

When we demonstrate how much we care, we build trust, deepen relationships and are given the opportunity to do more for others.

We are Courageous

We demonstrate strength and confidence in challenging actions and traditional ways of thinking – having the courage to look forward and prepare for tomorrow. We also have the courage to confront issues and look to explore all solutions and travel down new roads, not just the one most travelled.

We demonstrate courage when we:

• Voice an alternative point of view
• Share new ideas and insights
• Have courageous conversations about issues or opportunities
• Stay true to our instincts, because we know it will lead to better results

Our work requires courage to help others improve and to spark the exploration of new opportunities. Our foundation of caring, curiosity and collaboration can help us be courageous without being confrontational.