Side Effects

Definition: "Problems that occur when treatment goes beyond the desired effect... or problems that occur in addition to the desired therapeutic effect."

Have you paid attention to 'side effects' lately?

The most obvious ones that we see every day are hidden in the advertisements of pharmaceutical companies... One major drug currently on the market created to "offer relief from symptoms of depression" shows the following possible side effects:

• Cardiac disorders / Eye & ear disorders / Gastrointestinal disorders / Nervous system disorders / Psychiatric disorders (including the urge to commit suicide) / Renal & urinary disorders / Reproductive disorders...

That is by no means the complete list, but you get the point... or do you?

Everything that we do or don't do has 'side effects': Cutting our investment in training and skills development, laying off sales & support staff, buying more than we can afford, not spending enough time raising, teaching & mentoring the younger generation...

If the possible 'side effects' far outnumber or far outweigh the possible benefits... isn't it time to reconsider what we are doing or not doing?