When you set up a row of dominoes, they don’t move until you knock one over. Then a chain reaction begins, and the dominoes fall one after another. The momentum of each falling domino, like the pulse of a neuron, keeps going until it’s stopped.
Dominoes are cousins of playing cards and one of the oldest tools for game play. They can be used to build towers, make lines of a certain length, and even create shapes and patterns. They can also be used to play a variety of games that test skill and patience.
A domino is a small rectangular block, thumb-sized, with two square ends that are either blank or marked with dots or pips that resemble those on dice. 28 such pieces form a complete set of dominoes. The markings on a domino may represent the results of throwing a pair of six-sided dice, and the number of pips is referred to as its value. A domino that has more pips is usually considered “heavier” than one with fewer, because it takes more force to knock over.
Although the word domino is sometimes confused with the game, it actually has a different origin. The game was named after the Italian city of Domenica, and the name was subsequently used for other similar games that were popular in the region. Eventually, the term spread to France, where it was first recorded shortly after 1750. The French word originally denoted a long hooded cloak worn with a mask at a masquerade, and the association with the game of domino was probably made because of the resemblance between the black domino and the hooded cloak.
In the United States, the most basic domino variant is the Block game for two players. The players begin with a double-six set and draw seven tiles; the remainder are not used in the game. The player with the higher pip count wins.
Domino’s leadership strategy includes a focus on listening to employees. Under the previous CEO David Brandon, Domino’s instituted a more relaxed dress code, new training programs for managers, and a college recruiting system. When Dominic Doyle took over as CEO, he continued fostering these values. He also participated in employee surveys and met with them directly to see what they wanted from the company.
The company has been working hard to modernize its image and expand into other markets. In addition to offering delivery of items that aren’t traditional pizza, Domino’s has invested in innovative technology for the company’s stores and created a space where teams can brainstorm and develop ideas for the future of the brand. These initiatives demonstrate that the company is putting its money where its mouth is and trying to live up to its slogan of “Champion Our Customers.” Hopefully, this trend will continue as Domino’s continues to evolve.