Getsky's lesson on goals

Encyclopedia Britannica said in 2008 that he was the greatest hockey player ever to live. Indeed he is known as the "Great One" and greatness described everything about Wayne Gretzky. He is the only player in National Hockey League (NHL) history to exceed 200 points in a single season.

In 1988, just after he lead the Edmonton Oilers to a Stanley Cup victory, Gretzky was shopped to the Detroit Red Wings according to his autobiography, Gretzky: An Autobiography. But instead he was traded to the Los Angeles Kings.

During his 1,497 games in the NHL, Gretzky scored 984 goals due to his aggressive style of taking shots on goal.

“You miss 100% of the shots,” he said “you __________”

1. Take using pool-table thinking.
2. Never take.
3. Line up perfectly.
4. You take too soon.

For the correct conclusion of Gretzky’s statement, click here.

The title of “The Great One” is not given out lightly. Albert Einstein held the title for scientists and Jackie Gleason was given the moniker in the world of entertainment. In the 21st Century when we hear the term “That Great One” we generally think of hockey player Wayne Gretzky.

In 1988, just after he lead the Edmonton Oilers to a Stanley Cup victory, Gretzky was shopped to the Detroit Red Wings according to his autobiography, Gretzky: An Autobiography. But instead of heading to the Motor City he was traded to the Los Angeles Kings.

With a Stanley Cup championship ring on his finger, Gretzky was inducted to the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1999. Not only did he achieve that great acclaim, the NHL has banned all teams from using his number, 99, for any other player in the future.

After his playing career, Gretzky became a businessperson. He became a partial owner of the National Hockey League’s Phoenix Coyotes.

Gretzky was able to achieve his goals on and off the ice. It did not matter if he was the business owner, the hockey player or the family man he always set his sights on achieving his goals.

Explaining his motivation, however, he resorts to his beloved sport.

Realistically you may never be known as “The Great One” in your profession and your business may not have that title among your customers. Nonetheless it is incumbent upon you that when you see a potential shot you take it.

About the author:

Rick Weaver has half a century’s experience in leadership development in retailing. He founded Max Impact Corporation, a leadership and business development consultancy company in 2002. His major accomplishments include working himself from stock clerk to director at a Fortune 50 retail chain and building a $40MM+ construction company in under 5 years. Today he works as an Executive Search Consultant with Patrice & Associates matching management talent with the job culture for which they are uniquely wired.