We spoke with Victor Küppers, professor of Sales Management at the UIC and the UB and coach in attitudes and management skills. Küppers successfully participated at the last Annual Spanish Society for Periodontology and Osseointegration (SEPA) Meeting. 

How does one find the meaning of life? 

It can be found by seeking quiet moments. But we run around life like chickens with our heads cut off. And this often makes us lose sight of what is truly important. Life can throw heavy blows, and it is when this occurs that one realises what is really of value. Tolstoi once said that "There are a limitless number of different sciences, but without one basic science, that is, what is the meaning of life and what is good for the people, all other forms of knowledge and art become idle and harmful entertainment." While we are alive, the most important thing is to learn to give meaning to life. 

What is your secret for all people to reach their full potential? 

I have no secret; I wish! But, after reading the works of many experts I can reduce their ideas down to one: we must make our lives a work of art, choosing at all times the absolute best attitude possible and with the circumstances that we are given. This implies striving to become the best person you can be and to help others. But not just financially, also spending time. Too many people live below the poverty line in terms of love, affection, kindness and respect. Life is not easy, but it is simple. Although, we love to complicate it and [we love] for others to complicate it for us. And happiness is in being, not in having. But, we congratulate people for their car, when really, we should praise kindness, goodness, joy and other virtues. 

In your lectures, you often cite great authors. What good reads would you recommend for these times, and why? 

I tend to recommend spiritual authors because we are in most need of the human dimension, to which we dedicate the least amount of time. Lately I have been reading works by Mother Teresa of Calcutta, Pope Francis, Stephen Covey, Sister Lucía Caram, Tolstoi, Francesc Torralba, Jacques Philippe and Albert Camus. 

What advice would you give to those in charge of a company, such as a pharmacy in order for them to have the best possible relationships with their employees? 

For them to consider what their main function is. I think that the role of a boss is not to explain what should be done and make sure that it gets done in the appropriate time and manner. This is something more for an army. And unfortunately, there are many bosses like this. A boss' function is to help the members of his/her team to be better people and better professionals. For this to happen, he/she must know them, help them, motivate them and make requirements for them with affection. Then, in order for these relationships to work, the key is in one's manner and in his/her virtues including kindness, respect, tolerance, humility, sense of humour, justice or generosity. 

Imagine for a moment that you are responsible for a pharmacy. What would success in your work be for you? 

It's hard for me to imagine it... For me, success as a pharmacist would be to help make people happier. Helping my customers, my team and my suppliers. Sometimes I think social responsibility is limited to food drives and donations. And I think that our main social responsibility is to take care of the people we work with daily. 

How do you think attitude might affect a pharmacist's daily practice? 

I think it is the key, but it is for a pharmacist, as it is for any person, both on a professional and a personal level. Because it is also important for being someone's parent, partner or child. Attitude and manner is what separates the great from the mediocre. Knowledge and experience are very important, but the difference is in attitude. Today's pharmacy environment is quite complicated, and this is, without a doubt, discouraging. The risk is for pharmacists to lose their attitude. We are human, affected by our environment, which is cause for people to feel discouraged, helpless and overwhelmed. There is a collective depression. And, of course, we have a right to feel down, of course. But we must realise that if we lose our spirit, we have lost everything: excitement, passion, happiness, proactivity and the energy to move forward. We thrive on our mood. It's our engine. If we lose it, our lives will be affected on a personal and a professional level. 

For the pharmacy team, what is communicated is as important as how it is communicated. What is your view on the patient-pharmacist relationship? 

Most pharmacists that I know are absolutely fantastic. They are incredibly patient, friendly and professional. It is not easy, because we patients have become ever more demanding.