What term describes the method where an employee gains experience in a new position by assisting a senior manager?

The method where an employee gains experience in a new position by assisting a senior manager is best described as work shadowing, also referred to as being an assistant to a position. In this practice, an employee observes and learns from a senior manager while performing their daily duties. This hands-on experience allows the employee to understand the responsibilities and challenges of the role, enhancing their skills and providing practical insights into the job.

Work shadowing is particularly valuable for professional development because it combines observation with the opportunity to ask questions and engage directly with the senior manager. This real-time learning can be more effective than formal training sessions, as it places the employee in a relevant context where they can see the application of skills in action.

In contrast, temporary promotions involve a short-term elevation to a higher position, project work focuses on specific tasks or outputs rather than on experiential learning, and job rotation involves moving between different jobs or roles rather than closely working with a single individual. Each of these alternatives lacks the direct mentorship and observational learning aspect of work shadowing, making it the most appropriate term in the context provided.