As we look to the future of funeral service, one thing is clear: investing in your team is the key to your business’s long-term success. Whether you're navigating staffing challenges or preparing the next generation for leadership, a strategic focus on development and retention can strengthen your business and elevate your care.
The Value of Leadership in Funeral Service
Leadership in a funeral home business is about more than making sure the bills are paid and important decisions are made. It’s about creating a culture that is rooted in compassion, service and excellence. Effective funeral leadership sets the tone for how your team engages with client families, each other and your community. A great leader (or a not-so-great leader) impacts every aspect of your business — from the quality of care provided to your client families to the long-term sustainability of your funeral home.
SKILLS FUNERAL PROFESSIONALS NEED TO LEAD
To be an effective leader in the funeral space, a person must not only have the minimum job requirements, such as specialized education, operational management knowledge and hands-on experience — but also retain a unique blend of personality traits and behaviors that are not easily acquired or identified on a résumé. These important skills help them navigate emotionally charged situations, build trust with client families and gain credibility within the community.
Here are some key traits, or “soft skills,” that consistently describe effective leaders in the funeral profession:
- Empathetic and emotionally attuned
- Active listener
- Emotionally intelligent
- Skilled in time management and prioritization
- Discreet and respectful of confidentiality
- Open and honest communicator
- Calm and composed under pressure
- Flexible and adaptable to change
CONTINUING EDUCATION AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES
Continuous education (CE) is not only required, but essential for professional growth in the funeral profession. Many organizations in the profession, like Homesteaders, offer a range of educational opportunities designed to sharpen your skills, cover the latest trends and topics and help you advance in the profession.
Whether you’re just beginning your career or a seasoned professional at guiding a team, these continuing education resources provide training opportunities in a variety of formats to fit your needs:
- National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA)
- Cremation Association of North America (CANA)
- Homesteaders Continuing Education
Virtual webinars are a convenient and cost-effective way to gain insights on upcoming trends, useful tools and strategies that benefit your entire team. State or national funeral conventions offer more of a dynamic and hands-on experience for attendees, as well as provide ample opportunities to meet and network with other professionals as you explore the tradeshow floor. Many of these events offer CE credits for breakout sessions held throughout the convention.
View upcoming events in our events calendar.
Self-Awareness & Personal Growth
Developing as a leader begins with developing yourself. Funeral professionals who regularly reflect on their actions and dedicate time for personal growth opportunities become more agile, compassionate leaders.
Tools like journaling, self-improvement books and mindfulness exercises support happiness, stress management and long-term leadership success. After all, leading others starts with leading yourself.
Let’s face it — a career in funeral service can be emotionally taxing, if not also physically demanding. Good leaders know this, but great leaders? They not only understand this firsthand but recognize that prioritizing the emotional and mental health of themselves and their team is critical. When team members feel supported and empowered, they're more likely to stay, grow and thrive. And that’s exactly what the profession needs: funeral professionals who not only serve with heart but also lead with purpose.
Are you ready to lead in the profession and your business? Learn more about effective leadership skills in our Funeral Business Leadership Series, which focuses on leading your team, your business and in your community.
