Wednesday, January 13, 2010

Skills And Personal Qualities Needed For Undertakers

By Marjorie Wong

Arrangements and organising services linked to funerals are normally taken care of by undertakers, who are also called funeral directors. To be successful in this profession the undertaker carrying out these tasks must possess certain important and unique skills and attributes.

An undertaker must be energetic and be ready to work beyond normal schedule, as he has to be available 24 hours a day. He must be prepared to spend a lot of time outdoors because of the unique nature of the task.

The undertaker must be able to understand the feelings of clients, listen and understand their requirements and interact lucidly. With clients hailing from many religions, traditions and cultures, he must be able to communicate with and manage each one of them successfully. An understanding and compassionate attitude will be a great help in this profession. However, he should be emotionally strong and not get carried away by other people's grief, so that he can provide emotional support to them.

As an undertaker, an individual should project a dignified and calm personality, while taking care that his behaviour doesn't intensify the sorrow of the bereaved family members and relatives.

Undertakers must have vast knowledge and profound respect for the religious sentiments and beliefs of various cultures and communities. As various people follow different funeral customs and rituals, it is advantageous to have knowledge of these.

A good undertaker will naturally possess good organizational skills and managerial abilities. He must also have leadership abilities and should be able to coordinate with a wide range of people - from the clergy members to the flower seller.

As the undertaker will be in charge of obtaining all clearances and adhering to all regulations with respect to the event, he will need to thoroughly know such procedures and legal formalities. He will have to be fully aware of rules to be followed for the purpose of collecting death certificates or claims for insurance.

Lastly, an undertaker should know how to drive and must possess a valid driving license, as he may have to drive hearses and limousines.

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