Martin Lahrmann can hear the grass grow. For the Top100 jury, this ability of the managing partner of test equipment manufacturer Schleich is the basis for innovative strength. "You have to literally suck in the new," explains Martin Lahrmann. However, this process is not a one-man show for him: once a month, all of Schleich's managers meet to discuss how to update the innovation strategy. In doing so, they draw on a well-filled tank of ideas fed by the 78 employees. The company's customers also appreciate the ability to hear the grass grow. Especially when they want to test products with innovative technologies, but don't yet know how and with which instruments. In such situations, Lahrmann is happy to go to great lengths to develop a detailed presentation and present it to the customer. "When, after several hours of consultation, the person we're talking to says: 'We've heard a lot of innovative ideas', I know we're on the right track." The right path has also ...