The domino effect is a phenomenon whereby one change to an existing behavior can trigger a chain reaction in which other related behaviors also change. For example, when someone decides to get more exercise, they might start reducing their sedentary leisure time and eating habits. These changes can be small or large, but they’re always cumulative.
Domino’s specializes in pizza, but the company’s name has become synonymous with more than just pizza. The company has a reputation for customer service and innovation. This includes new ways for customers to order pizzas (including using an app, tweeting a message, or even texting an emoji); innovative delivery options; and embracing technology that can track the status of an order.
When Lily Hevesh lines up a series of dominoes, she creates a spectacle that is sure to impress. Her YouTube channel, Hevesh5, has more than 2 million subscribers, and she has created elaborate domino setups for movies, TV shows, and events, including the Katy Perry album launch. But how does she do it?
Hevesh explains that she starts by determining which pieces will be used and their placement. Next, she arranges the remaining pieces on the table, making sure they are aligned edge to edge and touching with their matching ends. She may then ascribe a value to the sides of each domino, commonly referred to as spots or pips. The value of a domino is important because it determines the number of other dominoes that can be played on it.
Once a player has a complete set of dominoes in their hand, they can begin playing games. Some games involve scoring while others require players to block each other’s play. Many of these games teach kids number recognition and math skills. The most popular domino game is called “French Dominoes,” which involves placing the pieces in a grid to form shapes like hearts, houses, and horses.
As a child, Hevesh was fascinated by the way that a single flick of a domino could topple the entire line. Similarly, she was drawn to the idea that if one person made a positive change in their life, it would have a ripple effect that could transform other parts of their life.
When asked about the importance of the Domino’s brand, CEO Brandon Doyle cites a core value that states, “Champion Our Customers.” He believes that by listening to customer feedback and addressing their concerns promptly, the company can be a true champion for its customers. In addition, Doyle emphasized the importance of communication with his team, and encouraged employees to speak up whenever they had a problem or an idea for improvement. This commitment to communication has led to a wide range of innovative initiatives for Domino’s, such as a relaxed dress code and college recruiting systems. These changes have had a tremendous positive impact on the company’s culture and customer satisfaction ratings. As a result, Domino’s was recently named the Best Place to Work in Michigan.