A domino is a flat thumb-sized rectangular block, either blank or bearing from one to six pips (dots): 28 such pieces form a complete set. A domino game involves arranging and playing these tiles in various patterns to score points by matching the ends of the adjacent pieces.

When a domino falls, it converts most of its potential energy to kinetic energy, which propels the next domino toward its tipping point. Then that domino in turn transmits the push of its own weight to the next, and so on, ad infinitum.

This is an example of the Domino Effect, a phenomenon described by social scientist Malcolm Gladwell in his book The Tipping Point, in which he describes how a small change in one part of a system can cause big changes throughout the entire network. It’s a lesson that can be applied to many aspects of life, including business.

For example, if you’re a writer, you might think of each scene as a domino. If you want the story to advance, each domino has to be properly positioned. They can’t be too close together or too far apart—otherwise they’ll never cascade.

Similarly, when you’re running your business, it’s important to make sure each of your employees is on the same page. If they’re not, you risk creating a domino effect whereby a key employee’s inaction triggers the collapse of your entire system.

The Domino Company has been able to avoid this type of disaster by staying true to its core values, which includes listening to customers. This allows them to quickly address customer complaints and improve operations. In addition, it’s been able to implement a more flexible dress code and leadership training programs that allow employees to be more comfortable in their jobs.

Domino’s approach to leadership has also benefited from using a model that focuses on developing leaders rather than promoting executives. This helps the company to keep their managers on board, which in turn allows them to stay focused on the needs of the customers and the overall organization.

Another way Domino has stayed on top is by using technology to increase efficiency and reduce costs. For example, they are using a mobile-optimized website to allow customers to order online and use their smartphones to check the status of their orders. They have also developed a Domino’s Pizza app that allows customers to place their orders from their phones.

In the past, domino sets were usually made of bone or ivory with contrasting black or white pips (inlaid or painted). More recently, sets have been made from natural materials such as stone (e.g., marble, granite, or soapstone); other hardwoods (e.g., ebony or mahogany); metals (e.g., brass or pewter); ceramic clay; and even frosted glass or crystal. These sets tend to be more expensive than polymer ones, but they have a novel look and often feel a bit more substantial when handled.

In China, dominoes were invented in the 12th or 13th century and were similar to playing cards. Traditionally, they were used to teach children counting and simple arithmetic. Later, they were used to play complex games of strategy. In Europe, the first modern domino sets were produced around 1750.