By: Markus Kristianto

“The Secret to Enduring and Meaningful Connections in the Professional World”

In a fast-paced and high-pressure professional world, the ability to build relationships becomes a key determinant of success, not only in work but also in the overall quality of life. We often get caught up in routines, numbers, and targets, forgetting that behind every work process, there is always another person with their own heart and life story.

Building relationships is not merely about making connections. True relationships are not just about knowing many people, but about how our presence can have an impact, strengthen, and even inspire others. This is where an important principle often overlooked comes into play: winning hearts.

Winning hearts is not manipulation. It’s about the sincerity to show up, listen, understand, and appreciate. It’s not for short-term gain, but to build strong, enduring, and meaningful relationships. This is a deeper form of relationship management – it’s not just social skills, but a way of life.

Strong relationships begin with the awareness that everyone wants to feel valued, understood, and seen. This is a basic human need. When we are able to present ourselves as individuals who bring a sense of safety and acceptance, we open the path to more genuine and productive relationships.

In a professional context, this means building trust as the foundation. Without trust, relationships become transactional. But with trust, cooperation flourishes, communication flows, and conflicts can be faced with maturity. Trust is built not just through words but through integrity – whether we can be relied upon, whether we are consistent between what we say and what we do, whether we care for others not only when we need them.

Winning others’ hearts also means being a fully present listener. In a world filled with distractions, listening has become rare. Yet, because it is rare, this skill is incredibly valuable. When someone feels genuinely heard, they feel valued. And from this, deeper relationships begin to form.

One of the greatest strengths in relationship management is empathy. Empathy doesn’t mean agreeing with everything, but understanding where someone is coming from. When we make the effort to see the world from someone else’s perspective, we can bridge differences and strengthen connections. In empathy, we shed our ego and choose to be present as humans for other humans.

Relationships that win hearts are also built on authenticity. There is nothing more exhausting than always “playing a role” in professional relationships. Instead, when we show up with honesty and wise vulnerability, others feel closer and more trusting. Being authentic is the courage to show who we truly are – not for praise, but to connect on a deeper level.

However, building relationships is not always easy. There are times when we must face value differences, conflicts of interest, or even betrayal. In these moments, relationship management is determined not by how we attack, but by how we respond. The choice to uphold the honour of others even when we disagree is a sign of emotional maturity.

We also need to recognize the importance of consistency in building relationships. It’s not enough to be “good” at the start; it’s about how we keep relationships alive and healthy over time. This requires effort, attention, and openness to grow together. A living relationship is one that is constantly renewed – through communication, appreciation, and a sincere desire to stay connected.

Relationships that win hearts are not just between individuals, but also a team culture that strengthens one another. In a healthy organization, everyone feels seen, valued, and has space to contribute. Leaders who can build relationships with heart create a psychologically safe space where ideas can flourish, and diversity is appreciated.

On the other hand, relationships filled with pretense, ego competition, or mere small talk will only create emotional exhaustion. In today’s professional world, people are not just looking for high-paying jobs, but also relationally healthy work environments. They want to work with people who care, not just those who are competent.

Building relationships is therefore a long-term investment. It requires constant attention, but the result is a network of trust that will support us through various seasons of professional life. When we fall, these relationships strengthen us. When we rise, these relationships are the witnesses and companions of our journey.

Winning hearts is also not always about being the best speaker or the most socially active person. Sometimes, in the simplicity of our attitude – honesty, patience, sincerity – we can become a figure that leaves a lasting impact in others’ lives. We become individuals who are remembered not for our position or achievements, but for how we make others feel when we are with them.

And don’t forget that all healthy relationships begin with the relationship we have with ourselves. When we make peace with ourselves, know our strengths and limitations, and cultivate love for ourselves, we are more capable of being present for others without carrying unresolved wounds. Building relationships with heart starts with a whole heart.

In a world full of pressure and competition, building relationships that win hearts is the most human form of leadership. It’s not about being perfect, but about being present. It’s about seeing others not as tools to achieve our goals but as travel partners. It’s about choosing to care, even when the world tells us to be cold.

So today, let’s pause for a moment and ask ourselves: are we building relationships, or just building a network? Does our presence bring relief, or pressure? Do the people around us feel understood, or simply instructed?

Because in the end, in a world that is constantly changing and uncertain, relationships are what give meaning. And the hearts we win today can be the bridge to a better future – not just for us, but for those we touch along the way.

To help you manage relationships effectively, not only improving communication skills but also creating a balance between work and life, opening opportunities to achieve greater goals, and achieving success in a wiser and more focused way, join “STAR Leader” with Qando Qoaching. The goal of this program is to help professionals build relationships, as building relationships is key to creating trust, collaboration, and opportunities that pave the way to success and meaning in every step of life.

Let’s step together towards a greater Indonesia!