What Develop Measures (and What It Doesn’t)
Wonderlic Develop does not measure how skilled, talented, or successful you are at a behavior.
Instead, it measures how effortful it is for you to consistently demonstrate that behavior at work.
This is a self-awareness tool, not a test.
It’s designed to help you grow by showing you which traits require more energy - and which feel natural or energizing.
The Battery Analogy
Imagine every behavior you use at work draws power from a battery.
A high score means the behavior takes less energy to demonstrate.
→ You’re likely to use this trait often, without thinking too much about it.A low score means the behavior takes more energy to sustain.
→ You may still do it well - it just requires more intention, planning, or recovery time.
Example: If “Adaptability” is high for you, rolling with changes may feel effortless. If it’s low, unexpected shifts might feel draining - even if you handle them well.
Are High Scores Always Strengths?
Not exactly.
Low-effort (high score) traits tend to feel natural and energizing - they’re often your “go-to” behaviors.
High-effort (low score) traits may still be strengths, but they require more support, structure, or practice to maintain.
Strength is about how well you perform, not just how naturally it comes to you.
Effort is about how much energy it takes to do it consistently.
Knowing both helps you work more sustainably.
Why Effort Matters in Development
We all have a limited supply of energy and attention at work.
Understanding your effort profile helps you:
Play to your natural strengths more intentionally
Build in strategies for high-effort traits
Set realistic, sustainable goals
Avoid burnout by balancing where and how you invest your energy
Putting It into Practice
In the platform, you’ll see:
Critical Attributes - most important for your current role
Least Effort Attributes - traits that take the least energy (your low-hanging fruit)
Most Effort Attributes - areas where a little structure or support can make a big difference
Use these insights to:
Create targeted goals in the Action Planner
Talk with your manager or coach about where you might need support
Develop habits that stretch you without stretching you too thin