What are the best ways to sync contacts between Outlook and iOS?

I used to use Exchange for all my contacts. When changing jobs I would import to the new Exchange.

I am using 365 for my Mac and found several issues.

The paramount issue is, I want Apple to be the holder of my contacts (master if you will), and Outlook won't allow my updates to take effect. It is requiring me to click the link in Outlook to make any edits before they take effect.

I have on all my devices apple contacts as my default.

I have blown out my contacts in Outlook, deleted the links from the export to CSV, imported to apple and I still have the issue.

I look forward to the bright minds on this board to assist.

Thanks