The domino effect is the phrase used to describe a series of events that begin small but ultimately lead to large and sometimes catastrophic consequences. When applied to writing, it refers to the process of plotting a novel and ensuring that each scene in your story has a clear impact on the scene ahead of it. Whether you compose your manuscript off the cuff or carefully follow an outline, the process of plotting a novel comes down to one simple question: What happens next? Considering how to use the domino effect in your fiction will help you answer this question and tell your story well.
Dominoes are a classic toy that children enjoy playing with. They can be stacked on end in long lines, and when the first domino is tipped over, it causes the rest to fall in a sequence that creates intricate patterns. Some people also use them to build structures, like towers and pyramids, or create art by laying them out in a grid that forms pictures when they fall over. Often, the more complicated the domino structure or design is, the more challenging it is to knock down.
In a business setting, the domino effect is a term that describes how one action leads to a chain reaction that affects all parts of an organization in a positive or negative way. For example, a company may hire a new employee who turns out to be the perfect fit for its culture and mission, which then drives other hiring decisions that improve the overall workforce. Another common application of the domino effect occurs when a product or service fails, which then leads to negative press and customer complaints. This can cause a company to make changes that may seem unorthodox or controversial, but ultimately benefit the organization in the long run.
When Domino’s CEO David Brandon took over the company from his predecessor, he knew that changing the culture and addressing employee complaints would be key to the company’s success. One of the top core values he promoted was listening to employees, and this included promoting a line of communication that allowed him to speak directly with workers to hear their concerns.
The traditional domino set has one unique piece for each of the possible combinations of spots on two thrown dice (known as a double-six set). Some sets include more than six, and some are even larger, with 190 pieces in a single “double 18” set. Other types of dominoes are available, such as ones that represent duplicates of some throws or that have different suit colors. Some are made of natural materials such as silver lip ocean pearl oyster shell, ivory, or ebony; others of molded polymer. Some have more novel materials such as ceramic clay, glass, or frosted crystal. These sets have a more distinct and elegant look, but are usually heavier to hold than their traditional European counterparts. They also tend to be more expensive.