I think it depends on how people view "sales." The word tends to have a negative connotation, thus, if one has a negative view of what "sales" means, they may not like this idea. I believe that the reality is we all "sell" something, even ideas. Instructors must get buy-in from students so that students see the value in what instructors teach. For instance, a student may think their English class is a waste of time simply because they don't see the relevance to their career training. Outstanding Instructors "sell" the relevance by making the connection between the topic and how it matters to the individual and that is often a "sales" process beginning with awareness, interest, and hopefully moving a learner toward enthusiasm. This helps students not only learn, but it hopefully instills an appreciation for life-long learning. That is the "sales" process I see. Bad sales professionals "bend" the truth the same way bad instructors are indifferent of whether or not their students are engaged in the class. Outstanding Instructors are the ones who get learners excited and who can help make the connection of value for the learner. Indeed, the "sales" aspect of teaching is one of the things that makes the job so tough......and so important! This is just my perspective and I think of those special Instructors I've had in my lifetime who made me see and feel what they felt and it has helped me tremendously, even when i was not first sold on what they were selling.
