The domino effect is that once a sequence of events has been set in motion, it can cascade into an ever-growing and complicated structure. When a domino is set up and then tipped, the potential energy (the ability to cause something to move) converts into kinetic energy (the energy of movement). This energy is transferred from one domino to another in a chain, until finally, all the dominoes are pushed over at once. These chain reactions are common to domino shows, in which skilled builders construct mind-blowing domino setups before a live audience of fans.
In games of domino, each tile has a number of spots or dots on its face that distinguishes it from its neighbors. The remainder of the surface is blank or identically patterned. Most sets have 28 tiles, with alternating colored ends, but larger sets can also be played with. Some of these sets have progressively larger numbers of pips, up to double-12 or even double-nine.
Most domino games involve emptying one’s hand while blocking opponents’ play. Other games, such as bergen and muggins, are scoring games that determine points by counting the pips in a losing player’s tiles. There are even blocking games, such as matador and chicken foot, that can be used to teach kids number recognition and math skills.
Domino’s Pizza, a large chain of fast food restaurants, is a good example of a company that understands the importance of the domino effect. In a recent episode of the popular television show Undercover Boss, Domino’s CEO Don Meij sends his executive team to work in several of its busiest restaurants and analyzes their operation and customer feedback. He finds that the company is doing well overall, but there are some areas in need of improvement.
The most important point Meij makes is that Domino’s employees are key to the company’s success and that listening to their needs is the best way to keep the company moving in the right direction.
If the executive team ignores its employees, the company will eventually start to falter. This is the essence of the domino effect, which applies to all aspects of business. In the case of Domino’s Pizza, the company will lose its competitive edge and its profits will plummet. However, if the company listens to its employees and implements changes that make their jobs easier and more enjoyable, the company will be in a much stronger position to continue growing and to remain a top employer. The bottom line is that the domino effect is a great model for businesses and organizations of all kinds to use in planning their futures. Whether you are a manager or a writer, the domino effect can help you to see how small steps can lead to huge results.