In the case of Cliff Hess, who needs to improve work quality due to lack of experience with a new job type, what is the best leadership action?

The best leadership action in this scenario is a directive approach. When an employee like Cliff Hess is inexperienced in a new job type and needs to improve work quality, a directive style provides clear instructions, expectations, and guidelines for the employee to follow. This approach is particularly effective when an individual is facing challenges due to lack of experience because it can help to foster understanding of the tasks at hand and streamline the learning process.

By offering structured guidance, the leader can ensure Cliff knows exactly what is expected of him and can develop the necessary skills to improve his performance. This method reduces ambiguity and helps build confidence as the individual becomes more familiar with the new responsibilities. Ultimately, a directive leadership style can facilitate a more effective transition into the new role and enhance overall work quality.