Mission & Values

Managing director Marvin Bower instituted a set of guiding values to distinguish the firm by how we work rather than simply by the work we do.

These values are embodied in our dual mission: to help leaders make distinctive, lasting, and substantial improvements in performance and to constantly build a great firm that attracts, develops, excites, and retains exceptional people.

As professionals, we always:

• Put the client’s interest ahead of our own. We strive to deliver more than is expected. That doesn’t mean always doing or saying what’s expected.
• Uphold absolute integrity. We keep our client work confidential to maintain our objectivity. We focus on making our clients successful, because our success is measured by theirs.
• Tell the truth as we see it. We remain independent and able to disagree, regardless of the popularity of our views or their effect on our fees.
• Operate as “One Firm.” No matter what office in what country, our consultants maintain the same standards of quality and ethics. This allows us to deliver our best to each client from anywhere in the world.
• Deliver the best of our firm to every client cost-effectively. We expect our people to spend client and firm resources as if their own resources were at stake.

To attract and retain exceptional people, we:

• Hire the best. We hire outstanding people, across all fields and from all backgrounds.
• Support our people. We provide a nurturing environment of mentorship and training to help everyone here succeed.
• Commit to our people’s growth. As a firm, we work hard to provide the greatest opportunities for our consultants to stretch themselves and grow—as both professionals and people.
• Promote people based on performance. Performance at McKinsey is measured purely on the merit of one’s contributions. A consultant’s success here depends on two things: leadership and impact.