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.
