Interpersonal Skills Training

CHAPTER 3

CHARACTERISTICS OF THE HELPING FUNERAL DIRECTOR

“Look at people: recognize them, accept them as they are. without wanting to change them.”

Helen Beginton

What personal characteristics make some funeral directors more helpful than others? We have probably all observed some funeral directors with bereaved family members who we can describe as being what we might term “natural helpers.” What may seem natural are more probably characteristics and qualities that have been learned and developed over time. You, too, have the capacity to learn and make use of these helping qualities.

A general principle among people helpers is the following: if you want to became more helpful to others, you must begin with yourself. Our personalities form the ...