Honor Your Core Values

Samuel said, “What is this you have done?”

Saul replied, “I saw my men scattering from me, and you didn’t arrive when you said you would. . . . So I felt compelled to offer the burnt offering myself before you came.” 1 Samuel 13:11-12

In Israel’s hierarchy of core values, this one was near the top:

Only a priest could offer burnt sacrifices to the Lord.

Saul became impatient when things didn’t go as planned. Samuel was delayed and things were heating up, so Saul followed the most expedient course. This incident cost Saul his throne.

Playing fast and loose with your organization’s core values is a surefire way to set a course for failure. If quality is a core value, never compromise it to offer a lower price. If innovation is a priority, you’ll reduce margins to offer the coolest ideas at an attractive price.

Make sure everyone on your team knows and understands your hierarchy of core values. Teach people to make decisions based on priorities rather than on the needs of the moment.