The Power of Relationships in Business and Professional Life

If there's one lesson life has given me, through every twist, turn, and unexpected detour, it’s this: relationships matter.

More than talent. More than raw intelligence. More than any degree or certification hanging on my wall. The quality of my relationships has determined the depth of my success, the joy in my journey, and the resilience I’ve found in hard times.

I used to believe that sheer hard work and skill were enough. If I kept my head down, stayed focused, and put in the hours, everything else would eventually fall into place. And yes, to some extent, that was true. I did make progress. I checked boxes. I hit goals.

But then I hit a wall—not because I lacked the tools or the knowledge, but because I wasn’t leveraging my most valuable asset: the people around me. Even now, as I continue to grow personally and professionally—navigating new ventures, partnerships, and passions—I keep coming back to a simple truth that never fails: business is human.

Life is complex. Work is demanding. But ironically, the key to managing all of it isn’t found in more strategies, fancy software, or automation. It’s in genuine, meaningful human connections.

And when it comes to professional success—whether you're climbing the corporate ladder, building your brand, or simply trying to find your place—three key relationships shape everything:

1. Our relationship with ourselves

2. Our relationship with others

3. Our relationship with work and society

   
   

While all three are crucial, today, I want to focus on the second one: our relationships with others, especially in the context of business and career. Because let’s face it, we fail in isolation.

1. The Importance of Relationships with Others

One of the most profound long-term studies on happiness—the Harvard Study of Adult Development—revealed something profound and straightforward: our quality of life isn’t defined by money, fame, or IQ. The quality of our relationships defines it. Decades of research have proven that people with strong social connections live longer, experience less stress, and have higher career satisfaction.

Yet, in the fast-paced world of business, we often neglect relationships in the pursuit of success. We get caught up in deadlines, contracts, and bottom lines, forgetting that the most valuable currency in life and work isn’t money—it’s trust.

I’ve learned that the best professional relationships aren’t transactional. They’re not about handing out business cards or connecting on LinkedIn, calling it a day. Genuine relationships are about mutual investment, consistency, and a willingness to show up—not just when it’s convenient, but when it counts.

Think about it. That business partner who’s had your back for years. That mentor who gave you advice when you were ready to give up. That colleague who challenged your perspective and helped you grow.

Even the competitor who pushed you to level up—those relationships matter. And they deserve to be nurtured.

2. Checking In: A Small Effort with a Big Impact

I make it a point to check in reasonably consistently with those who have impacted my journey. Sometimes it’s a quick text. Other times, it’s a coffee catch-up or a simple email saying, "Hey, I was thinking about you. How’s everything going?"

Sometimes it’s a quick voice note or a short message on social media. Other times, it’s a longer email or an invitation for a coffee catch-up. These small gestures often lead to the most meaningful conversations. I can’t count how many opportunities, referrals, or partnerships have come from a simple “just checking in” message.

You never know when a relationship you’ve nurtured quietly will lead to something incredible—a chance to collaborate, a new client, or even a heartfelt word of encouragement when you need it most.

Relationships are like gardens. You don’t plant them and walk away—you water them. You check on them. You invest your time and care. And over time, they bear fruit.

3. Adding Value to Your Relationships

I’ve learned that relationships are strongest when they’re rooted in contribution, not convenience.

One of the biggest mistakes people make is thinking relationships are only valuable when they need something. But the truth is, the strongest connections are built on reciprocity and genuine support.

I approach every professional interaction with a guiding question: “How can I add value?” 

Adding value can look like many things:

• Making an introduction between two people who could help each other

• Sharing a resource or tool that could simplify someone’s workflow

• Offering mentorship or support, especially when someone’s going through a tough time

• Publicly celebrating someone’s wins and cheering them on

  
  

When you give generously—without keeping score—you build a personal brand that speaks volumes. You become someone people trust, someone they remember, and someone they want to work with again and again.

And here’s the magic: giving doesn’t drain you. It energizes you. It builds confidence, deepens connections, and often circles back in beautiful and unexpected ways.

4. Learning to Navigate Challenges in Relationships

Not every professional relationship is smooth sailing. Some will test you. Others will frustrate you. And a few will even make you question your sanity.

But conflict doesn’t have to mean collapse. Some of my most rewarding collaborations came after moments of disagreement or misalignment. Conflict can catalyze clarity, growth, and even stronger bonds when handled with emotional intelligence and respect.

I’ve had moments when I needed to step back and say, “Okay, let’s look at this from a different angle.” I’ve had to own my part in misunderstandings, listen more, and talk less. I’ve also reached out after months—or even years—of silence to mend relationships that once felt strained. Sometimes, it wasn’t about being right. It was about recognizing that we’d both grown, and there was still something meaningful worth salvaging.

Consider letting it go if you’re holding onto a grudge or a missed connection. Reach out. You never know what a heartfelt message could lead to.

Relationships Are the Real ROI

Success is not measured by titles, revenue, or the number of LinkedIn connections we have—it’s measured by our impact on others and the relationships we’ve built along the way.

So, my challenge to you is this:

• Take a moment today to check in with someone who’s been part of your professional journey.

• Look at your current relationships—are you adding value, or just taking?

• Be intentional about cultivating connections that matter.

Because in the world of business and life, relationships are the real return on investment. And the time, energy, and care we pour into people? That’s the investment that will always yield the greatest return.

-- Dr. Tomi Mitchell