Answer:
Napoleon once ordered his men on a near suicidal charge against the Austrians and they did exactly what he told them to because they were so inspired by him. This inspiration came from the fact that even though he was their commander, he was on the front lines with them and personally overseeing the artillery bombardment of the enemy.
This is the kind of effect that the business leader staying in the middle of the work area can have. The leader would be amongst their subordinates and by working hard, could inspire them to work hard themselves. This would increase the respect that the employees have of the leader and by extension, the leader's power over them.
Should the leader turn out to be lazy however, an opposite situation could result where the leader's power is diminished as their laziness would be on full display for the workers. who would then lose respect for the leader.