You have started work at a small company, Johnson Natural Shoes, which designs and produces children’s shoes. The company has an innovative approach and uses all-natural materials. Its product has been increasing in demand in the few short years since it began. The company was founded by Shannon McKenzie. You found out about the position because you are friends with Shannon’s daughter, who is an old friend of yours from high school. You were hired after you met with the founder, who remembered you from soccer games and birthday parties.
You do not have a job description or formal job title. But you are the only person in the organization with a degree in business, and Shannon mentioned to you that you were hired in the hopes you could help the company manage its rapid growth. At this point, the company is on track to double in size this year compared with last year, when it had only 28 employees.
You notice from the first days on the job that employees enjoy collaborating and making decisions together, and you feel welcomed right away. You see great things in the company’s future and want to help make Johnson Natural Shoes an international brand. You can’t wait to start making a contribution.
Now it is your turn to decide how to help.
Questions 

1. Given that you are still new to the company, how would you approach learning more about the company and its employees?
2. What are specific key questions you might want to ask employees about the company?
3. Based on your knowledge of business, what would you advise Shannon to consider as HR priorities as the organization experiences high growth?