Domino is an Italian word for “flying.” It can also refer to:
When you think of domino, the first thing that comes to mind might be a chain reaction of one object knocking over another, causing a series of events. While that’s a common view of the domino effect, it’s not nearly as powerful as you might think. Using a large number of dominoes of the same size, University of British Columbia physicist Lorne Whitehead has proved that a domino can actually knock over objects about one-and-a-half times its own size. This makes domino a versatile tool for demonstrating principles of science, engineering, and mathematics.
A domino set consists of 28 small, oblong pieces, typically twice as long as wide, with a number of dots (or spots) on each end. The number of pips on each side determines the value of the piece, which is sometimes referred to as its rank or weight. A domino has the potential to fall in a variety of ways, depending on the pattern of the surrounding pieces and the rules of the game.
Most domino games involve placing a domino edge to edge against another in order to build a line of numbered or non-numbered tiles with the same value. Some games, such as bergen and muggins, determine points by counting the number of pips in the losing player’s hand. Others are blocking games, such as matador and Mexican train, while others duplicate card games. Dominos can even be used to teach basic counting and math skills.
Before Domino’s became the largest pizza chain in the world, founder Tom Monaghan was just a kid who liked to play with dominoes at his orphanage. He started Domino’s in 1967 with a single store in Ypsilanti, Michigan. He soon realized that he needed to find more locations in order to meet the demand for his product. He emphasized setting up locations near college campuses, which allowed him to tap into an audience that enjoyed eating quickly and on-the-go.
As Domino’s grew, it was important to the company that their employees felt valued and respected. When David Brandon, the CEO who succeeded Doyle, began his tenure at the company, he made it a priority to listen to employee concerns and take action. This included implementing new initiatives such as relaxed dress codes, leadership training programs, and a system for recruiting college students.
As a leader, it’s essential to understand how your actions can have a ripple effect on those around you. For example, if you’re positive and enthusiastic about your work, it will spread to those around you. This positive energy can inspire other employees to follow suit, which in turn will create a domino effect that will help your business succeed. Domino’s focuses on this concept with their company values, which include “Champion Our Customers” and “Keep It Simple.” If you keep your goals simple, you will have an easier time making them a reality.