‘Play Your Part, Shape the Future’: Knight Frank’s River Runner Expedition in Shaping Great Thinkers and Great Leaders!

Published on 2 Sep 2024 by David Simpson

Knight Frank: A Legacy of Excellence

Founded in London in 1896, and establishing its Hong Kong business over 50 years ago, Knight Frank has consistently upheld its commitment to enhancing people’s lives and environments through innovative property solutions. Thus, it has gained the name — world’s leading independent property advisor. Their wide range of services, from commercial and residential to professional, proves that Knight Frank has served the industry since the start and is continuing to shape a better future. But what’s in a name behind Knight Frank? We all know the answer — their teams are comprised of the best talents!

icon objectivesObjectives

  • Engage teams with a collaborative-inducing activity and furnish proactivity against potential risks.
  • Foster and deepen communication among colleagues as a tool for future success.
  • Equip participants with experiential learning whilst enjoying in the process.
  • Develop critical thinkers and leaders of the future.

icon challengeChallenges

  • Engaging a Large and Diverse Group: Managing 240 participants with varied backgrounds and skill sets.
  • Instilling Unity and Collaboration: Encouraging a sense of oneness and teamwork among diverse participants through shared goals and tasks.
  • Simulating Realistic Business Scenarios: Creating an immersive and realistic experience that closely mirrors real-world business challenges.
  • Facilitating Effective Role Assignment and Responsibility: Ensuring each participant understands their role and contributes effectively to the team’s objectives.

icon solutionsSolutions

  • River Runner — The Chosen Solution: The River Runner program was selected for its comprehensive approach to team building, emphasizing communication, change management, and teamwork. This program aligned perfectly with Knight Frank’s town hall theme and objectives.

icon resultsResult
  • Effective Communication: Teams had to communicate clearly and listen actively to adapt to changing conditions.
  • Role Accountability: Participants took on specific roles, such as Team Leader and Safety Expert, enhancing their sense of responsibility.
  • Team Reflection: Debriefing sessions allowed teams to reflect on their strengths and areas for improvement.
  • Proactive Planning: Teams learned to anticipate and mitigate potential risks.
  • Enhanced Teamwork: The event fostered a culture of transparent communication and collaboration.
  • Adaptive Strategies: Teams worked harder to adapt to changing conditions and challenges


River Runner experience


"In the River Runner adventure, we embraced friendly competition while fostering collaboration to win the game.

This unique blend of competitiveness and teamwork not only strengthened our bonds but also highlighted our collective

drive for success. Together, we navigated challenges, celebrated victories, and inspired each other to reach new heights."

Ellen Lo, Director, Head of Human Resources, Greater China, Knight Frank


Implementation and Process

As a proactive business looking to empower its people to work towards their desired future together, Knight Frank organized a town hall meeting for its employees in Hong Kong, aiming at enhancing teamwork and communication while bringing their Group Vision and Strategy to life. The top choice, River Runner, came about after thorough consideration of an activity that brings collaboration, problem-solving activities, engagement, and fun.

The River Runner activity was meticulously planned to ensure maximum engagement and learning. Participants were divided into 24 teams, each with 10 people, and embarked on a simulated 15-day journey. This journey required them to navigate through various challenges, purchase necessary resources, and maximize their profits by the end of the simulation.

Setting Up

Preparation began early at the convention centre, with the Team Building Asia (TBA) team inflating rafts and setting up the event space within a tight 20-minute window. This setup included arranging tables, setting up river-themed props, and ensuring all materials were ready for the participants.


Activity Details

Participants were asked to: work harder, work smarter, and maximize profits. Each team had to buy food, guides, and secure safety kayakers as they navigated the simulated river. The goal was to avoid surplus stock that couldn't be converted into cash, ensuring efficient resource management. The realistic scenario required teams to communicate clearly, listen actively, and adapt to changing conditions daily.


Feel-Good Factors

The simulation ended with teams calculating their final profits, subtracting the costs of food and supplies. This exercise not only highlighted their strategic planning abilities but also brought a sense of accomplishment. Feedback from the River Runner participants was overwhelmingly positive, particularly appreciating the metaphors linking the activity to their day-to-day business operations.


KF experience

Keys To Success

Knight Frank's theme for the 2024 Hong Kong Town Hall Meeting, "Play Your Part, Shape the Future," was vividly brought to life through the River Runner activity. Building on the distinct advantages of its partnership structure, Knight Frank continues to equip its members with the skills needed to shape the future. As they look ahead to future team-building activities, they remain committed to enhancing team dynamics and organizational success.

The success of the River Runner activity was anchored in its detailed planning, engaging activities, and the commitment of both Knight Frank and Team Building Asia to fostering a collaborative and proactive team culture.

More information

For more information about the River Runner program click here.

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