I'm only guessing, but my definition of working hard would be:
- Staying focused on the task and cut unnecessary distractions
- Make yourself accountable and deliver what you set out to deliver
- Hold yourself to the same standards as you expect everyone else
- Be true to yourself, your beliefs and always ensure that you lead in such a way that reflects and demonstrates those values to the rest of the company
- Be smart about time management, use "uncreative" hours to get other work done
- Don't indefinitely postpone less exciting work if it is important and make it a priority to get done
- Be on time, if you schedule meetings with other people don't let them wait and value their time as much as you value your own time
- Surround yourself with other smart people and keep an open mind to ideas which differ to your own
- Control your emotions and don't make wrong choices in the moment of heat, stress or fear
- etc.
It would be really easy (especially as a founder) to not do many of these things and it takes real dedication and effort to lead by good example. I'd call that hard work.
What does “not working hard” look like? It looks like Facebook, Reddit, news.yc, YouTube, online shopping, Candy Crush, chatting with co-workers, and dicking off in the break/game room.
“Working hard” looks a lot like “not not working hard”.
What does it mean to "work hard" at a white collar job when you don't work long hours?
Honestly curious.