We began posting the podcasts in 2010.  It was the popularity of these brief, practical audio lessons that led to the book contract for "WORK HAPPY: WHAT GREAT BOSSES KNOW."

As of today, there are 129 different topics in the collection.  According to the statistics provided by the site, most people use their phones or iPads to download them.  When I wrote the book, I tried to use the same tone I bring to the podcasts.  Leadership shouldn't be a lecture when it can be a conversation.

If you'd like to download the "What Great Bosses Know" podcasts, just click on this link.

And if you have topics you'd like me to cover in future podcasts, feel free to send your ideas my way!

Interestingly, the stats we receive on those downloads indicate that the podcast listeners come from across the world.  In fact, only about half of the downloads come from the United States. Clearly, the desire to be a great boss is universal!

The podcasts are free, and that certainly adds to their appeal. But what I hear from listeners is that they appreciate several things about them:

1. The practical topics. I share tips about issues that managers face each day.
2. The brevity.  Typical episodes run between 3 and 5 minutes. I've been told by listeners that I often ride to work with them in their cars, or jog along with them on a run. The concise episodes work well for busy people.
3. The optimistic but realistic advice. I think management can be a challenging, frustrating and often lonely endeavor. But because I also believe management can be an absolutely joyful mission as leaders help others do their best work.

My favored form of management training will always be face-to-face, so it can involve customization and coaching for each participant. I know from evaluations of the many workshops I lead that people truly value the ability to get individualized feedback.

But if that's not a reality for you today, feel free to take advantage of the "What Great Bosses Know" podcasts and the book "WORK HAPPY: WHAT GREAT BOSSES KNOW."

You can also check out the book's Facebook page, where I curate and share worthwhile readings on leadership and management and update it regularly.

Apparently lots of people have found "What Great Bosses Know," according to the weekly download reports for 2012 that come to us from ITunes.

Because it's usually among the top ten podcast collections, I knew it had a following.  But the final tally for 2102 was remarkable. Are you ready for the total?  Drum roll, please:

3,187,324!

The production isn't sophisticated.  My studio is wherever my laptop and I happen to be.  This photo is from my home office, but I've recorded in many locations, including on the road when I'm away teaching or consulting.

The podcasts are brief, practical and conversational.  People tell me they listen to them while driving to work and even while exercising.  Perhaps the real secret to their popularity, though, is that they are FREE!

If you'd like to be among the 2013 downloaders, just click on this link and it will take you to iTunes U and the "What Great Bosses Know" podcasts.  And of course, if you like what you learn by listening, just think what "WORK HAPPY: WHAT GREAT BOSSES KNOW" -- with its greater depth -- could do for you!