The Power of the Domino Effect
The domino effect begins with one touch of that first domino. That first domino then continues touching that second domino and continues in rhythm until the last domino. It’s interesting for a domino effect to work effectively; each domino has to have a specific space between each domino. If one domino has too large of space the domino effect stops. I can remember being so mesmerized by dominos that are set up in such a unique pattern watching until the very end. One simple but important key to the domino effect is the first step of action putting in motion the first domino.
“The rhythm of daily action aligned with your goals creates the momentum that separates dreamers from super-achievers.” ~ Darren Hardy
Proactive Action
Let’s carry the domino effect into our systems, people, culture and core values. What could be the first domino in your business that when touched begins the momentum touching that second and third and so on? One simple idea is to set a core value as the first domino called celebration. Think of the possibilities from celebrating your team when something is completed with excellence or anything done well carrying the vision in the right direction. What if a teammate closed a sale and you celebrated that person within your team? What would be the possibilities from that domino effect? Consider beginning with a domino that costs nothing, when it’s activated, touched, shared, it has an influential ripple effect touching most areas of your business in a very positive way.
“Being proactive is more than taking initiative. It is recognizing that we are responsible for our own choices and have the freedom to choose based on principles and values rather than on moods or conditions. Proactive people are agents of change and choose not to be victims, to be reactive, or to blame others.” ~ Stephen Covey
Shift From Analyzing to Action
One thing that can hinder a domino effect is over analyzing each domino. In other words who doesn’t like to be celebrated. Like throwing a stone in the water there is a ripple effect. One of the major components to thriving business rhythm is transformed people. Think for a moment of your top five core values and consider stacking them as your first five dominos. When one connects with another they interconnect with your systems, people and culture. The domino effect gets carried into those three main business pillars. Like the sounds from a domino effect attracts us all to stop and watch! What’s possible with thriving core values in action permeating your culture within your business. What is the potential influence from being proactive consistently stacking dominos within your business launching a thriving rhythm?
“You’ll never plough a field by turning it over in your mind.” ~ Irish Proverb
Questions to Consider
What one step of action could you take to touch that domino?
How could you prepare your team for a consistent domino effect?
Where are the spaces too far apart not able to reach the next domino?
Scaling your brand, how could you position your current resources to foster a domino effect?
Application With Consistency
One of the simplest and productive keys to success is consistency. When a leader is consistent that in of itself has a domino effect. For example, making a decision to walk a certain amount of steps daily. Having a consistent smile or consistently expressing gratitude. This will have a domino effect over three months but will also cascade influencing other areas of one’s life. What could you consistently put in motion daily that carries the rhythm of a domino effect within your culture touching your customers? Watching actual dominos touching each other, they carry a sound of rhythm. Sounds attract people. One way to carry consistency is to invite your team to carry one domino a week. For example a culture of service. Then even take a risk inviting them to agree on next week’s domino. Over time they are stacked and carrying the business rhythm synergistically.
“Motivation gets you going, but discipline keeps you growing. That’s the Law of Consistency. It doesn’t matter how talented you are. It doesn’t matter how many opportunities you receive. If you want to grow, consistency is key.” ~ John C. Maxwell
Consider Intentional Leadership
What process or protocol could you put in place for your team to keep rhythm consistent throughout your entire business?
What can you do when a person chooses out of carrying the culture?
Your people are your culture carriers, how could you and power them to be intentional serving your clients and customers?
What training could be put in place to infuse the right culture into your culture carriers?
What new processes would help carry your business domino effect?
You were born for greatness,
Ed Garner