Adviser or Listener??
Yes, I am a funeral director and frequently asked for advice relating to all things funeral. But I think a lot of funeral homes have forgotten the most important ingredient of funeral directing; listening!
I’ve been guilty of this myself and have worked for funeral homes that believe they have an image to maintain and things are done a certain way and any practice that deviates from their “signature service” is wrong. Well this couldn’t be farther from the truth!
A few years ago I decided to buck the trend and discovered something along the way. You cannot be a great adviser without being a great listener. The funeral director who first listens to the ideas and visions of the family (in regards to celebrating a life) will exceed the family’s wishes every time. I’m not saying that families don’t need direction or suggestions but having the mindset that each life will be remembered the same way is like saying all individuals are the same.
We recently had a service where the deceased loved two things most life other than his family; pizza and Tom Hanks movies. During the arrangement conference we laughed and talked about his sense of humor and more or less the simple things in life. And we ultimately decided he’d be remembered best by inviting his friends to a celebration of life service where pizza would be served and “The Burbs” (starring Tom Hanks) played in the lobby. The microphone was passed to anyone who wished to share a memory and a life was celebrated!
A funeral home who takes the time to listen means they have your best interests in mind. But more importantly it means they sincerely care.
