Ten Things I Learned from Bill Porter Ch 7

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Questions and Answers

How does Bill Porter primarily manage his responsibilities despite having cerebral palsy?

He is supported by family members who help regularly.

He has assembled a team of support personnel to assist him. (correct)

He relies solely on his personal strength and determination.

He takes advantage of community programs for the disabled.

Which statement best describes Bill's approach to hiring help?

He avoids hiring help to maintain independence.

He hires people only if they offer their services for free.

He insists on paying for services to ensure better quality performance. (correct)

He prefers hiring people he knows personally.

What event prompted Bill to hire help for household tasks?

He won a grant to hire assistance.

He decided to focus solely on his sales career.

The weather conditions became increasingly severe.

Irene became ill and moved to a nursing home. (correct)

What qualities did Bill prioritize when selecting his team members?

Their professional experience and efficiency. Signup and view all the answers

How does Bill compare his efficiency with that of the mail carrier?

He states he is more efficient, in some opinions. Signup and view all the answers

What tasks did the author take on for Bill in 1987?

Housecleaning, laundry, and grocery shopping Signup and view all the answers

How did Bill first receive help with his tie and buttons?

He asked the hotel manager for assistance. Signup and view all the answers

What was Bill's response when asked if he felt uncomfortable asking for help?

It's something I have to do, and it doesn't bother me. Signup and view all the answers

What significant media attention did Bill's story receive?

It was documented in several magazines and on news shows. Signup and view all the answers

What was the outcome of the ABC airing of Bill's story?

It received the largest viewer response in the program's history. Signup and view all the answers

What did Bill think about his role as a perceived hero or role model?

He believes he is unworthy of such titles. Signup and view all the answers

What was the nature of the relationship between Bill and the hotel staff?

They felt a shared responsibility in pleasing customers. Signup and view all the answers

What did the author realize about needing help after discussing Bill's situation?

Everyone has some skill they lack, visible or not. Signup and view all the answers

How did Bill respond to the gifts and media attention he received?

He accepted them with humble gratitude, remembering his mother. Signup and view all the answers

What was the nature of Bill and Shelly's relationship?

They had a dynamic that included playful banter. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Bill Porter's Success Story and Teamwork

Bill Porter, a man with cerebral palsy, exemplifies success through a strong support system.
He's an independent Watkins, Inc. representative, not supported by the Postal Service's large structure.
Over the years, he built a team for various tasks, including grocery shopping, cleaning, and yard work.
He's always insisted on paying a fair wage to his helpers.

Building a Support Team

Bill's support team is carefully selected and tailored to his specific needs.
Initially, his mother handled personal tasks.
After her illness, Bill recognized the necessity of hiring help for daily tasks.

Seeking Assistance from Others

Bill sought assistance from the hotel bellhops to button his cuffs and tie.
He approached the manager of the Vintage Plaza Hotel to request assistance. The manager, Craig Thompson, was very helpful.
Bill learned that his coworkers at the hotel viewed themselves as providing a service, which was helpful to his needs. Bellhops assisted him without expectation of payment.

Bill's Perspective on Dependence

Bill views seeking assistance as an integral part of his routine.
He doesn't perceive help as a sign of his difference, but as an essential part of his daily life.

Impact on Others

Bill's story inspired thousands and has touched millions of lives.
His story was featured in numerous publications and broadcasts, including ABC's 20/20.
The reaction to his story was so profound that it led to business and speaking engagements for both him and Shelly, a Watkins's representative.

Importance of Employing a Team-Oriented Approach

Bill, along with Shelly, learned teamwork by implementing a similar approach.
The author, Shelly, hired a housekeeper to deal with increasing workloads in Bill's speech engagements and her growing family.
Further, Shelly and Bill hired an agent to handle their bookings, lightening the workload.

Personal Growth and Adaptation

The author learned to accept help from others and realized the ability of others to successfully perform tasks she previously thought only she could do.

Lessons Learned

Bill's story highlights the importance of accepting help from others.
It showcases how dependence on others is not a weakness, but a strength in a team-oriented approach.

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Description

Explore the inspiring journey of Bill Porter, a man with cerebral palsy who achieved independence through teamwork and support. Learn about the vital roles of his support team and how he adapted to seek help in daily tasks while ensuring fair treatment for his helpers.