The Domino Effect
Domino, the subject of today’s Wonder of the Day, is a game that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. A cousin of playing cards, dominoes have been used to play a variety of games since their development in China in the 1300s. Each domino is a flat, thumb-sized, rectangular block with one face that’s blank or identically patterned and another face that bears from one to six pips, dots, or a combination of the two. A set of 28 such pieces makes up a complete domino set.
When a domino is tipped just so, it sets off a chain reaction that causes the rest of the pieces to fall in a rhythmic cascade. A similar phenomenon happens in writing when a writer’s action or dialogue prompts the reader to take a certain course of action—or a domino effect.
Domino’s pizza may taste delicious, but the company is also known for its innovative approach to business strategy and technology. For example, CEO Steve Doyle has led the company to rethink its delivery methods, creating a new model for ordering pizza with just a text message. Doyle’s innovative approach to business also extends to its image, making the Domino’s name synonymous with pizza and a youthful hipness that’s attracted many young people to the company’s restaurants.
While most people know that the word “domino” means a line of falling flat blocks, very few are aware of the many ways in which this simple game can be played. From building structures of great beauty to competing in professional domino tournaments, there are many different ways that these small rectangles can be arranged to create beautiful patterns and even stunning structures.
Some domino games involve scoring points by counting the pips (dots or a combination of them) on the losing player’s tiles, while others focus on blocking opponents’ plays. Still others teach children number recognition and math skills.
In addition to experimenting with new delivery methods, Domino’s has also been at the forefront of developing software that can analyze customer data to help predict demand for its products. This has allowed the company to open more locations and keep its delivery fleet running efficiently.
Domino’s uses a leadership style that’s very much like a domino effect, putting a lot of faith in its employees to make decisions for the company. This approach contrasts with traditional corporate hierarchies, in which leaders are more often top-down. The result is that Domino’s employees are able to be innovative in their work and in their own lives, as well. They are free to try things that other companies wouldn’t, including working from home and implementing new ways of ordering pizza. It’s no wonder that Domino’s is always ranked as one of the best places to work in the United States.