Conflict, defined in Fundamentals of Organizational Behavior by Nancy Langton and Stephen P. Roberts, is a process that begins when one party perceives that another party has negatively affected, or is about to negatively affect, something that the first party cares about. Gretzky has stood out because he takes it upon himself to relieve conflict from his team members and diffuse it. It allows for his teammates, players, and coaches to focus on the game and better prepare for the next challenge. This is how he diffuses conflict, both as a player and a coach. Through years of conflict as a player, Gretzky has expanded his borders and understanding of the game of hockey by becoming a coach. He brings with him years of experience and understanding into how successful teams should be operated because he was a player for the Edmonton Oilers in the 1980’s.
As a coach, Gretzky is in a constant state of conflict resolution and is working towards relieving conflict between the press and players; so that they can focus on they job. Gretzky likes to develop multiple alternatives and set the common goals for his players, so he can solve the problem. He has maintained the balanced power structured during conflicts which made him a model for other coaches and players. Gretzky has always resolved his team issues without forcing consensus. Through the development of himself as an individual and a professional hockey player, Wayne Gretzky has acquired all the skills and abilities to handle conflicts as a coach.