Maintain Your Standards

His wife said to him, “Are you still trying to maintain your integrity? Curse God and die.” But Job replied, “You talk like a foolish woman. Should we accept only good things from the hand of God?” Job 2:9-10

It is tempting to relax your standards when situations turn against you.

Under increased competition, an organization may reduce the quality of its product to gain margin. A long waiting list can tempt restaurants to rush people who came for a relaxed meal. Politicians who are elected on a reform platform may change their positions when they learn that real influence requires going along with the old guard.

Job’s wife was one of many who encouraged him to ignore his commitments. Their arguments were logical and well intentioned.

But Job’s mission was to serve God. He refused to cheapen his product, soften his employee benefit package, or reduce innovation and stick with old ideas.

The measure of a true leader is the way in which he or she handles core values and commitments when circumstances are beyond his or her control.