Reflection Paper-1
Name: Sameeha Sahoba Siam
Student ID: 03-015
Course Name: Managerial Communication for Professional Success.
When I joined the IBA communication course, I felt excited to learn and grow. Most of my
classmates had five or more years of work experience, while I had two, but I saw this as a great
advantage because it gave me the chance to start grooming myself earlier in my career. As this was
only my first class and we still have ten more sessions to go, I am hopeful that the entire course
will shape me even more, helping me grow both personally and professionally. I see this as an
investment in myself that will pay off in the long run.
The first class was light but meaningful. I learned that communication is not just about talking it’s
about serving a purpose and making others feel valued. Positive communication builds trust and
strengthens relationships. Time was another important lesson: it is the most valuable resource we
have. Since we cannot extend time, we must learn to manage it well by starting early, working
hard, and staying consistent. Even small habits, such as respecting deadlines or arriving on time,
reflect discipline and create a strong impression of who we are.
I also learned about the power of mindset. Our reality is shaped by how we think. Leadership and
communication involve both science and behavior, and with the right mindset, we can overcome
misconceptions and challenges. True learning, I realized, is reflected in lasting changes in behavior.
Being “literate” today also means learning, unlearning, and relearning, and developing a reading
habit is part of that process. The idea of known knowns, known unknowns, and unknown
unknowns reminded me that acknowledging what I don’t know is the first step toward growth.
This encouraged me to be more open to admitting gaps in my knowledge rather than feeling
insecure about them.
Another key lesson came from learning the twelve factors that help a person move closer to their
ambitions are factors like discipline, determination, accountability, being on time, body language,
extra effort, and ambition which requires no special talent. Success often comes from consistency,
mindset, and effort rather than extraordinary skill. The course also emphasized that while we
cannot control everything in life, we can prepare ourselves to adapt. One point that truly shook my
mind was that we should not aim for work-life balance, but rather work-life integration. Life will
always bring challenges, and adapting to integrate our work and personal life effectively is more
realistic than trying to separate them completely. This perspective made me rethink how I handle
pressure and priorities.
This idea resonated deeply with me because of my own experiences. During my internship in
Malaysia, I discovered that my mother had been diagnosed with late-stage cancer. At that time, I
lacked the financial means to support her treatment. I decided to return closer to home and soon
joined a multinational company in Bangladesh. That role gave me the financial stability to support
both of my parents’ treatments, not only locally but also abroad. Even though I lost them last year,
I do not regret the effort I put in because I adapted, worked hard, and gave my best during that
difficult time. Looking back, I see how adaptability, resilience, and communication with my family
played a big role in helping me go through such a challenging period.
Besides technical skills, this course made me reflect on personal growth. I realized that
understanding myself my strengths, weaknesses, and emotions helps me communicate better.
Listening carefully is just as important as speaking; understanding what others are feeling often
matters more than using the right words. I also learned to accept feedback as a tool for
improvement, not criticism. Empathy and emotional intelligence are essential for building trust,
motivating others, and leading effectively.
What I liked most is that the class did not just make me think but also encouraged me to take small
actions in my daily life. I see this as a little progress, but progress nonetheless. I felt like the first
class was a kickstart for me, giving me both direction and motivation to improve myself step by
step.
Looking back, I feel more confident facing challenges in both work and life. By practicing
discipline, keeping a positive mindset, and improving my communication, I can continue to grow
and handle new situations. I am excited for the upcoming classes and what they will bring. This
course has already shown me that consistent effort, adaptability, and a willingness to learn are
often more important than natural talent. I believe that by the end of all sessions, it will not only
improve my communication but also shape me into a more confident and adaptable individual.
