Rowing Together: Lessons from The Boys In the...

Rowing Together: Lessons from The Boys In the Boat for Funeral Professionals

Every four years we get to watch the world's best athletes represent our country in the Summer Olympics. Watching these athletes pour their years of hard work and entire talent into one performance is motivating; and as funeral professionals, we can relate to some of the daily challenges these athletes face. Inspired by the start of the Olympic Games Paris 2024, our marketing team read the book The Boys In the Boat: Nine Americans and Their Epic Quest for Gold at the 1936 Berlin Olympics by Daniel James Brown. This story takes place in Washington during the Great Depression and follows the lives of the nine boys who rowed their way to gold at the Olympics.

This book includes many themes that you can bring into your day-to-day work as a funeral professional. Recommended by Board Chair, President and CEO of Homesteaders Steve Shaffer, this book serves as a beautiful demonstration of the power of teamwork and the value of everyone pulling their weight to reach a common goal.

Let's explore each theme and unpack some takeaways for any funeral professional.

Working together for a common goal

In the solemn corridors of a funeral home, where grief meets solace and hearts are heavy with loss, the principles of teamwork, resilience and leadership take on a profound significance. While the setting may seem a world apart from the waters of competitive rowing, timeless insights can be gleaned from the book.

"Rowing is a perfect analogy for the funeral profession," said Shaffer. "Both unique experiences take a complete team effort with alignment to pull off success. For funeral professionals, it takes many people in the boat, each doing their part - big or small - to consistently deliver excellent service for every family, every time. It is a must as families only get one chance to celebrate their loved ones and funeral professionals are expected to rise to the challenge of meeting and exceeding expectations every time without missing a beat."

In rowing, each member of the boat relies on their teammates to propel them forward, to synchronize their movements and to navigate the waters with precision. Similarly, in a funeral home, collaboration among staff members is essential. From funeral directors and embalmers to administrative staff and grief counselors, every individual plays a vital role in delivering complex events and handling hundreds of details while providing compassionate support to grieving families. By fostering a spirit of teamwork and recognizing the unique contributions of each team member, funeral homes can ensure that every aspect of their service is delivered with empathy and professionalism.

Resilience in the face of loss

The book depicts a journey of resilience against tough odds. In the funeral industry, resilience is equally crucial. Being surrounded by death on a daily basis can take its toll emotionally and psychologically on the team, yet funeral home staff must remain steadfast in their commitment to providing comfort and support to those in mourning. Drawing inspiration from the perseverance of the rowers in Brown's narrative, you can cultivate resilience as you navigate daily challenges, ultimately finding strength in your shared mission to honor the departed and uplift the bereaved and each time that is accomplished, taking great pride in having risen to the challenge once again.

"Like the rowers in 'The Boys In the Boat' who faced adversity with determination, our work as funeral professionals demands resilience," Shaffer said. "In the face of grief's powerful currents, let us be the steadfast oars that guide families through their darkest waters, ensuring they find solace and strength in our support."

Empathetic leadership

In the world of competitive rowing, effective leadership can mean the difference between victory and defeat. Likewise, in a funeral home, compassionate and empathetic leadership is essential for guiding staff through the complexities of grief and loss. Funeral directors and managers must lead by example, demonstrating empathy, professionalism and integrity in all their interactions with grieving families and colleagues. By embodying the principles of servant leadership and fostering a culture of compassion and respect, funeral home leaders can inspire their teams to provide the highest standard of care to those in need.

"Each family we serve deserves our committed support, navigating their journey with grace and empathy, just as a coxswain guides their crew to victory," said Shaffer.

Just as rowers must trust and communicate with one another to achieve success on the water, funeral home staff must cultivate a culture of support and understanding to meet the needs of grieving families. Effective communication, active listening and genuine empathy are essential skills for navigating the delicate dynamics of grief and bereavement. By providing ongoing training and support for staff members, funeral homes can ensure that their teams are equipped with the tools and resources they need to offer compassionate care and guidance to those who are mourning the loss of a loved one.

By embracing these principles and applying them in your daily interactions with grieving families and colleagues, you can honor the legacy of those you serve and provide solace and support to families in their time of need. Just as the rowers in Brown's book found strength and camaraderie in the face of adversity, so too can those who navigate the waters of grief and remembrance find comfort and healing in the bonds of compassion and understanding.

Ahead of the Olympic Games Paris 2024, we are giving away five copies of this book to motivate funeral professionals to continue the important work they do every day helping families design a better farewell, benefitting those they love.