Fundamentals of Organizational Behavior by Nancy Langton and Stephen P. Roberts defines innovation as a degree to which employees are encouraged to be innovative and take risks. The organizational behavior is innovation-oriented when an employee contributes to improvements, developments or unique creations at an individual, team or organization level, and as a result encouraged, recognized and rewarded for their effort. Gretzky won four Stanley Cup championships and three Canada Cup tournament titles during his career as a player. Gretzky’s constant re-innovation of the game of hockey and how the press should be dealt with is a refreshing and admirable quality.
Gretzky is a frontrunner in the NHL, bringing out new concepts and ideas that label him an innovator. Recently, Gretzky has developed a new, battery-warmed skate that melts ice to give its wearer more speed with less work and overall, a better hockey experience.
His love of the game of hockey, Gretzky has transcended himself into an innovator and has made himself the idol of many players and coaches in how he performs as a professional. He is constantly innovating the game of hockey long after being retired as a player and will be for many years to come.