Frog Pond: Reflections from a Values-based Organization

Sage Portfolio Group is a values-based organization. This means that the company has gone through the enlightening and affirming process of identifying and articulating its key values. But more than simply a one-off statement of what the company stands for that is posted on a web site, being a values-based organization requires an ongoing commitment to ensuring that all aspects of the business are carefully examined for their fit with these values. As a quickly growing company, Sage Portfolio Group is in the process of developing and systemizing its operations, and ideas and inspiration are constantly flying around the office.

As part of the integral check-and-balance in a values-based organization, all employees at Sage Portfolio Group are encouraged to ask the all-important question: “But how does that fit with our values?” in response to the latest idea. Nothing is too small—from purchases of organic fair-trade coffee for office use to the establishment of a creative office vanpool. Rather than being rebuked for offering a sober second-thought, an employee who asks “How does that fit with our values?” is commended for taking operational discussions to a level at which philosophy or principles can be explored.

Sage Portfolio Group’s key values are beauty and quality; innovation and science; absolute integrity; and teamwork and collaboration. Our final value we call “frog pond”.

The frog pond at Sage Portfolio Group - yes, we are a company with our very own pond - has come to symbolize the way the company does business. Enjoying and caring for the frog pond has provided unique insight into the connection between business and social responsibility. It has taught us to value local roots and global consciousness, quiet contemplation and sharing with others, dreaming big and common sense. “Frog Pond” is the way Sage Portfolio Group does good in the world.

What’s in a name?

Each word in “Sage Portfolio Group” was consciously chosen for its meaning and fit with our company’s values.

Sage. While all of our employees like a good meal (and Sage Portfolio Group’s CEO, Melanie Parish, is somewhat of a gourmand), the name “sage” resonates with our company’s values beyond simply being an aromatic herb used in quality cooking. A “sage” is also a wise person who is consulted for his or her good advice—a role we feel we play regularly in our interactions with businesses, leaders and teams. Sage is also an important medicine used in North American Aboriginal healing; burning sage is believed to clarify, cleanse and restore balance. The benefits of sage have also been recognized by biomedical science; in a recent British study, ingesting the herb in pill form was shown to increase mental alertness and—in contrast to the ever-popular jitter-inducing caffeine—also enhanced feelings of calm in the study participants. Balance, clarity, alertness and a calm approach to challenges are key components of Sage Portfolio Group’s coaching and training success.

Portfolio. At Sage Portfolio Group we firmly believe that a cookie-cutter approach to leadership development, team performance improvement, and business coaching is a recipe for disaster. For this reason we offer a “portfolio” of services for organizations, and coach clients through the selection and customization of the service or combination of services that will best suit their company’s values, needs and aspirations.