Stepping back and balancing the numbers: e.g. Mass balance, energy balance, balancing the books, balancing your schedule, profit analysis, etc. Usually this co

Stepping back and balancing the numbers: e.g. Mass balance, energy balance, balancing the books, balancing your schedule, profit analysis, etc. Usually this comes down to simple math and a bit of black boxing. It's amazing how often people miss the big picture and therefore don't see problems, losses, hidden costs or even opportunities because they're not looking at how the inputs and outputs balance. A related skill is developing a feel for (or be able to quickly estimate) the appropriate order-of-magnitude of something. Nothing saves time and effort like being able to scan some numbers and immediately identify a problem.