英國作家Doris Lessing認為學習的要義在於對一輩子都知曉的事物產生全新的頓悟(That is what learning is. You suddenly understand something you've understood all your life, but in a new way.)。我想這句話可以總結此次參與行政院95年菁英領導班研習的寶貴經驗。透過教授課堂上精闢的分析以及哈佛大學案例研析(case study)和策略思考不斷思辯演繹的過程，不但學到國際最新的公務部門發展的趨勢，更接觸當前有關領導、溝通、談判和危機處理的最新觀念，強化了以往在工作及生活上深有體會，但缺乏學理應證的心得，同時有機會以全新的視野來審視當前政府施政。 “Leadership and learning are indispensable to each other,” says John F. Kennedy. In the world of global competition, governments are constantly challenged by rapidly evolving political, social and economic environments. Standing still is tantamount to losing ground. No public manager can afford to stop learning. My time with the Elite Leadership Program has been a most wonderful and rewarding experience. It gave me an opportunity to “go to the balcony,” namely, to step back, reflect upon my career and think about what I want to achieve in the public service. The time away from work allowed me to develop a clearer picture of what my priorities and goals in life are for the long run. Furthermore, by working with talented colleagues from various government agencies, I learned from their expertise and precious experience. Most importantly, I gathered around myself a group of friends whose trust and wise counsel I can always rely on when I am in doubt and need a helping hand. My classmates have become the best support system in my future career. When it comes to advanced learning in leadership and management, there is no place like the Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University. The case method teaching style allows the students to draw upon real-world experience to generate possible solutions to actual problems. The focus on strategic planning geare the students up for results, performance and alignment of the resources outside as well as the operating capacities inside. Futurist and writer Alvin Toffler says: “The illiterate of the 21st century will not be those who cannot read and write, but those who cannot learn, unlearn, and relearn.” I was quite fortunate to be a part of the 2006 Elite Leadership Program. The experience has been a most informative, inspiring, and productive tour de force for me. And I am still garnering the benefits.