Democratic and Co-Owned

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Gestalt is designed from the ground up to be a Co-Ownership company. This means that everyone that works equivalent time for Gestalt is compensated the same. Everyone has rolls to play in creative industries who’s capital is intellectual. By Co-Owning while working for Gestalt, everyone works together for the betterment of their partners and co-workers, and everyone benefits from those results.

This can all be done because creative companies with little physical assets are a relatively cost-less business to "buy into".  Customers are earned and maintained, not an asset to the company to be sold away or bought into.

The value of such a company are the truly earned loyalties of it's partners and the methods and solidity of the solutions that are provided.  Gestalt will never exploit these loyalties and charge sky-high rates because of them!

Democratic leadership shares responsibilities and decision-making throughout the company – one person, one vote. This style of leadership is differentiated from an autocratic type of leadership by these primary factors:

1. In a democratic leadership environment, consultation is sought from members throughout the company before major decisions are reached.

2. Feedback is welcomed, encouraged 

and critical.

3. Employees are continuously encouraged to develop into leadership roles for tasks and projects with autonomy once decisions are reached - no one person has ultimate say.

4. Personal conflicts internal and external are resolved with reason and logic.

5. Communication is always done cooperatively and partnered.  Do what is right for the partners and the business, don't hold grudges that prevent the best solutions from coming to fruition.

  First, it contributes to a positive work environment. By allowing employees to take full responsibility for delegated tasks, the employee is able to take “ownership" and, in so doing, becomes invigorated and motivated by the project or task at hand. Motivated, fulfilled employees are happier, eager to work, and have a better perspective about their work environment.

Second, the process of consultation and feedback tends to result in better decision making with less risk of personal quirks or problems getting in the way of the right decision. The reason for this is all persons involved are able to participate and provide feedback in a decision.

Third, this leadership styles allows for a free flow of ideas and room for efficient improvements. When various employees interact together, barriers to efficiency can be discussed, monitored and amended.

Fourth, it reduces employee turnover. Employees tend to feel more empowered, more valued, and more respected when their ideas – with equal authority - can be voiced. Employees feel vital and important to the overall success of the company, and with shared compensation.