Before solving a problem, it is important to identify and check your what?

Identifying and checking your assumptions before solving a problem is crucial because assumptions form the foundational beliefs or starting points that guide your thought process and problem-solving approach. When you recognize your assumptions, you can scrutinize their validity and consider whether they may lead you to a biased or incorrect conclusion. By actively analyzing these assumptions, you open yourself up to different perspectives and possibilities, which can ultimately result in more effective and innovative solutions.

For instance, if you assume that a certain customer preference is static, you might overlook changes in market trends that could significantly affect your business strategy. By challenging and validating your assumptions, you enhance your critical thinking skills and improve the overall quality of your problem-solving efforts. This step sets the stage for a more thorough and insightful analysis of the problem at hand.