Domino: a flat, thumb-sized rectangular block, each end bearing from one to six spots (called pips) or being blank. A domino is a component of a set of playing cards, dice, or bones used to play games. A series of these blocks arranged on the table and lined up in order can create a sequence that is referred to as a “domino effect.” The term can be applied to a literal series of physical collisions or to a metaphorical chain of causality within systems such as global finance or politics. A popular form of the domino effect is a Rube Goldberg machine, in which an initial mechanical action triggers a succession of subsequent actions.
When Domino’s founder and CEO David Brandon was tasked with turning around a declining performance at the pizza chain, he focused on employee engagement. He created a new leadership training program and implemented a college recruiting system to ensure that Domino’s employees felt valued and that their voices were heard. As a result, Domino’s turnover rate fell significantly.
This new strategy also involved listening to customer feedback, especially regarding delivery issues. When a customer complained that their pizza was undercooked or their order wasn’t delivered in a timely manner, Domino’s managers would visit the store and talk directly to the employee. This line of communication extended to the franchisees, who were encouraged to share their concerns with management as well.
These conversations helped Domino’s to identify key performance indicators and take corrective actions to address them. As a result, Domino’s was able to improve its overall performance and increase sales.
The domino effect can also be applied to a person’s own personal development. For example, if someone begins to make their bed each morning, they are making a small commitment that can lead to larger changes in their life. Over time, as they continue to do this small task each day, they may develop the habit of keeping their home clean and organized. This can have a positive effect on their overall self-image. This is a form of the Domino Effect that can be very powerful.
Often, the process of domino-ing is a slow and deliberate one. This is especially true when creating a story. A domino is ineffective on its own, but if you place it in a strategic location and continue to build upon it, the impact can be tremendous.
The most impressive domino displays are often created in competitions, where builders set up thousands of pieces in carefully arranged sequences. Some of these setups can be spectacular and even explosive, tripping hundreds or even thousands of dominoes with the slightest nudge. As a result, many of these domino shows are captivating to watch. Dominoes are also a favorite to use in art installations, as the cascading effect can be mesmerizing.