Rules or results?

There's an interesting story in the MEN:

http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/s/1091957_sacked_heads_new_legal_fight?rss=yes

It's about a teacher from Macclesfield (not with a school here, though) who was suspended/sacked for not following process and procedures correctly.

Why is it interesting? Because she was so successful at the school - she turned around a failing establishment and was awarded a Damehood for her efforts. Shame she broke the rules whilst doing it.

So the question is, what's more important?