There is a very strong code of honor here. Some would say it's unrealistic for the world we live and work in, but our clients, staff and vendors appreciate it.

First and foremost, any form of deception is not tolerated. Telling the whole truth at all times – to clients, vendors and co-workers – even when you have to deliver unpleasant news, is much more than a simple virtue here; it's the first rule we teach every new employee. Break that rule and you will be fired. No exceptions. We expect the same veracity from our clients and vendors, too.

Now, we do make telling the truth at all times easy for our employees. We never put them in a position where they can't tell the whole truth. In fact, there's absolutely no reason or benefit here to bend the truth, even ever so slightly.

Employees are not incented to "pad" their time spent on a project, for example.

They are not compensated nor rewarded in any way based on their billable hours; instead they are incented to clear projects as quickly as possible so they are available for the next – perhaps more exciting – project.

Our entire business system is predicated on everyone telling the truth – from the way we track time internally, to our bookkeeping system, and through final billing – as well in all our dealings with our clients and vendors.

It's just easier that way; there's nothing for anyone to hide. And as we said earlier, everyone we deal with seems to appreciate it.