Domino is a term used to refer to any chain reaction where one thing knocks over another, or any small victory which significantly raises your motivation or excitement for the day ahead. These types of domino actions are what I discuss in my book Domino Effect: A Simple Strategy for Dramatic, Spectacular Results as they have high leverage actions with profound impacts on success.
As soon as you flick a domino set, the first domino in its set will fall. This particular domino stands out by having its pips line up edge to edge with those of its colleagues; its fall may trigger other dominoes to follow suit in quick succession.
This domino principle is what makes playing dominoes so enjoyable; it gives us that satisfying feeling when we watch long chains of dominoes come tumbling down on video, eventually coming to their completion. Furthermore, its powerful domino effect can keep us stuck in our current status rather than progress towards our goals.
We often think of the Domino Effect in terms of dominoes collapsing onto other objects much larger than themselves, but its full force lies much deeper. A 1983 study conducted at University of British Columbia by Lorne Whitehead demonstrated that even one domino can trigger events one-and-a-half times greater in severity. This principle applies when we flip dominos or take pills to ignite neuron firing action in neurons.
Domino’s CEO Don Meij, featured on the popular Undercover Boss show, understands this principle of domino effects. By placing himself in his employees’ shoes and working alongside them at their restaurants and delivery services, Don has built a more efficient and safe vehicle to deliver pizza from Domino’s pizza delivery services.
He does this to keep Domino’s culture consistent with its core values, which include championing our customers. To accomplish this task, it is imperative that he listens closely to what employees are telling him.
He’s noticed how his managers listen to and consider feedback from their teams, leading them to keep the company on course with its vision and purpose. Even with COVID crisis at play, Domino’s remains true to its values, making a positive difference for its employees and customers. They may not be as profitable as would like but their company remains intact.