Domino is a small rectangular block with a line down the center that separates its two ends. Each end is either blank or has an arrangement of spots resembling those on dice. Dominos can be lined up to form shapes or used in games like slapjack and Mexican train. They can also be set up to form 3D structures, such as towers and pyramids. Some domino builders have created complex, mind-blowing displays in front of live audiences.
The word domino comes from the Latin phrase “domino”, meaning “little one.” It’s a perfect metaphor for how tiny actions can create huge effects, just like the way dominoes topple in a carefully constructed sequence.
A series of small events can change the course of a project or an entire organization. That’s why it’s important to pay attention to even the smallest details when building something large, whether you’re writing a novel or managing a company.
For example, a Domino’s Pizza customer’s complaint might result in a chain-wide shift in policy that affects all locations. This domino effect is why it’s important to listen to customers and take their concerns seriously.
Domino’s CEO Dave Brandon recently spoke about the importance of listening to his employees and implementing new changes based on their feedback. This is a clear demonstration of Domino’s commitment to one of their core values: Champion Our Customers. By embracing this value and responding to customer complaints quickly, they have set themselves up for success.
Physicist Stephen Morris agrees that Domino is an excellent metaphor for how little things can lead to big changes. He explains that when you stand a domino upright, it has potential energy stored in its position. When you knock over that domino, much of that energy is converted to kinetic energy, which causes the rest of the dominoes to fall in quick succession.
Like a domino, a story is made up of many smaller scenes that build on each other to create the final scene. If a writer isn’t careful to plan these scenes in advance, the end results can be chaotic and less satisfying for readers. For this reason, many writers follow the advice of dominoes: plan out an outline before writing your story. This will help you avoid scenes that aren’t necessary or don’t contribute to the plot in a meaningful way.
The next time you’re playing a game of dominoes, think about how this analogy can apply to your work. What tiny details can you add to your scenes that will make them more interesting and engaging? You might find that the effect is greater than you could have imagined!