On the mind.

What’s your definition of hard work?

Before you continue reading, ask yourself this question and answer it in your head. Maybe jot down a few notes on what comes to mind.

This question is on my list of final round interview questions. As the interviewer, I have a list of roughly 20 questions in my quiver, ready to use at any given moment throughout the interview. I don’t use them all, and sometimes I don’t even look at the list during the interview. “What’s your definition of hard work?” is a question I ask when I want to get a better understanding of someone’s work ethic. I start with this question, then pepper in other spontaneous questions as they answer.

Hard work, and having a solid work ethic in your team, is important for a company because it directly impacts productivity and company culture. Employees who consistently put in effort and stay committed to their tasks help drive any company forward. Growing a company is no easy task and you can’t do it alone. That being said, it also depends on what your definition of hard work is. It’s a bit of a trick question because the term “hard work” can be a trigger for some people too.

Here are some less than exciting responses I’ve received over the years:

• “I don’t believe in hard work; my definition of hard work is smart work.” I hear this a lot, and it’s honestly my least favorite response because it always feels like a cop out. You should definitely be smart with your effort, but that doesn’t replace hard work.

• Another common one is the generic “hard work equals only time put in” response. People describe hard work as the amount of time you put into a day or task. In my opinion, while hard work does involve time (everything technically involves time), hard work is not only about putting in extra hours/time.

• Then there’s the notion that hard work is “physical work.” I’ve had a few people define hard work through examples like construction or farming, which, at some level, makes sense. But when you're applying for a tech job, where most of the work involves sitting at a computer, this response doesn’t really fit the situation.

So, here’s my definition of hard work.

For me, it’s not about long hours or grinding endlessly. Hard work is a mindset or attitude you bring into what you do. It means consistently showing up every day and giving your best effort, even when things get tough. Hard work is about being proactive and learning from your mistakes. It means you put your maximum effort into what you do, and that you simply care.

I describe hard work as staying consistent and in short, giving it your 100% effort.

As I am writing this, I think about the amazing people on our team who show up every day, bringing their dedication and hard work to White Rabbit Group. I feel grateful to be surrounded by such a committed group of individuals!

Weekly moments.

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The Weekly is a newsletter that goes out each week written by Greg Bellinger, currently building and CEO of White Rabbit Group and The Labs.

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