Royals GM Dayton Moore shares his secrets to success with KCU medical students

What does the general manager of a World Series championship baseball team have in common with medical students? More than you might think.

Kansas City Royals GM Dayton Moore came to Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences (KCU) on Tuesday, August 09, 2016 to speak with medical students, faculty and staff about creating a winning culture.

Moore talked about personal responsibility as a secret to success.

“When I make a mistake, I hold myself accountable,” Moore told a crowded lecture hall inside KCU’s Academic Center. “It’s not cancer that kills organizations… It’s the disease of selfishness,” he added.

As general manager of the KC Royals, Moore guided his players and the team to back-to-back trips to the World Series, which includes winning the series in 2015. Moore shared stories behind his book, More Than a Season: Building a Championship Culture.

When talking about the tough seasons, Moore said, “I thought about quitting every single year.” But he realized, “I can’t quit.”

Moore spoke to students, faculty and staff, as well as answered questions about the parallel stresses in baseball and medical school; the competition, the pressure to be the best, and the fears of failure. Moore told students whoever “manages failure the best” has the greatest chance of reaching their personal goal.

“I thought his speech was really applicable, not just to sports, but all of medicine,” said first year student Alex Mallory.

Moore’s talk reminded students that their future success depends on helping others such as their patients, “To be able to make a difference in their lives,” Mallory said.

Moore’s message also hit home with faculty and staff.

“I liked his natural empathy and his sense of gratitude. Plus he emphasizes the value of treating people with respect and dignity,” said Jim Dugan, Ph.D., Director of Counseling and Support Services at KCU. “If health care educators and providers adhere to these values we will have richer learning environments and safer health care systems.”

Moore’s advice to the future doctors in the room?

“Hold yourself accountable. Make your amends. And be calm in the eye of the storm,” Moore said, as well as telling students to focus on being the best each and every day.

Moore stayed late to sign copies of his book and take pictures with students and staff.