The Domino Effect
When you see a domino, you’re probably thinking about the game that involves laying a row of tiles across a table or floor, and then knocking them over one at a time. But a domino is also more than just a game; it’s a symbol of physics and engineering, as well as an emblem of leadership. In this article, we’ll explore some of the fascinating stories behind the word and the phenomenon.
A domino is a small rectangular block, usually made of wood or plastic, with one side bearing dots resembling those on dice. A domino is used to play a variety of games, including the popular ones like X-O and Draw Dominos. These games can be played by individuals, groups, or families and are a great way to spend time together.
One of the earliest uses of the word was as a name for a long, hooded cloak worn with a mask at a carnival or masquerade. Later, it came to refer to a game that involved putting down tiles and then pushing them over to form a line.
The term was eventually borrowed into English in the late 18th century, and by the 19th century, it had entered general use. In the early 1900s, the founder of Domino’s Pizza, Thomas G. Lee, established a set of corporate values for his company, including the value of listening to customers. He instructed employees to take note of any complaints they received and then address them directly. Lee’s commitment to this value helped Domino’s turn around a slump in its business.
Domino’s is also a common metaphor for an organization that has many goals but doesn’t know how to prioritize them. As a result, the company may end up with tasks that are less important than others, or it might fail to complete any of its goals at all. This is often referred to as the Domino effect.
As a child, Lily Hevesh was fascinated by the classic 28-piece set of dominoes that her grandparents had. She loved to set up the tiles in straight or curved lines and then flick them with her finger, watching all the other pieces fall afterward. Her hobby soon became a passion, and she began making and posting videos of her creations online. Today, Hevesh is a professional domino artist who has more than 2 million YouTube subscribers. She creates spectacular domino setups for movies, TV shows, and events, such as the album launch of a pop star.
When a domino is standing upright, it has potential energy (energy based on its position). But as soon as the first tile in the line is pushed over, much of that energy is converted to kinetic energy (energy of motion). Some of that energy is transmitted to the next domino, giving it the push it needs to knock over even more tiles. This continues in a chain reaction until all the dominoes have fallen. This is the essence of the domino effect.