Real Leaders Roll Up Their Sleeves—Not Just Talk About It

Why the Best Leaders Don’t Just Lead—They Get in the Trenches and Do the Work

Ever walked into work and found your COO assembling furniture? No? Just me?

The other day, I headed upstairs at DoorLoop and saw something that made me stop in my tracks—our COO, sleeves rolled up, putting together desks so the team could move into a bigger space.

No cameras. No big announcement. No “look at me, I’m such a hands-on leader” speech. Just him, an Allen wrench, and a pile of desk parts that, I guarantee you, were missing at least one critical screw.

And that right there? That’s real leadership.

Leadership Is More Than a Title

A lot of people think leadership is about telling people what to do. Giving orders, making decisions, sitting in meetings, and calling the shots from above. But the best leaders don’t just talk about culture—they live it.

It’s easy to post on LinkedIn about “teamwork” and “leading by example.” It’s a whole other thing to actually do it.

A COO’s job description doesn’t include furniture assembly (at least, I don’t think it does). But when leaders step up and do the work, no matter how small, it sends a powerful message:

• No task is beneath you.
• No role is more important than the people behind it.
• Success isn’t built from the top—it’s built together.

And let’s be real—nothing earns respect more than seeing your boss sweating over the same problems as you.

Why Hands-On Leadership Matters

A company’s culture isn’t determined by mission statements or team-building retreats. It’s built in moments like these—the small, often unnoticed actions that define what kind of place this is to work.

When leadership gets in the trenches, it creates an environment where:

1. People feel valued. Employees don’t just want a paycheck; they want to know their work matters. Seeing leadership invest time and effort into something as small as a desk shows they care.
2. Trust is built. If leaders are willing to do the work alongside the team, it fosters trust. It’s a lot easier to follow someone who’s with you, not just above you.
3. Teams work harder. No one wants to let down a leader who’s in the fight with them. When leaders show they’re willing to hustle, teams step up and match that energy.

Forget Titles—Show Up Instead

At the end of the day, leadership isn’t about hierarchy. It’s about presence. It’s about showing up, doing the work, and proving—through actions, not words—that you’re invested in your people.

So, whether you’re running a company, leading a team, or just trying to be the kind of person others want to work with, remember:

• The best leaders don’t just talk. They show up.
• Leadership isn’t found in meetings—it’s built in moments.
• Culture isn’t a buzzword—it’s the actions you take every single day.

And sometimes, it’s as simple as picking up an Allen wrench and getting to work.

Who’s the best hands-on leader you’ve ever worked with? Drop a story in the comments—I’d love to hear it.