Why do I get error "APP-IEX-240338" when trying to insert a Work Item before the first open work ite

Why do I get error "APP-IEX-240338: Cannot move record, the new user work item should be created after a valid work item (‘Open’ ot ‘To be Created’ or ‘Pre-Wait’ status)" when trying to insert a Work Item before the first open work item of my strategy? I do want the new work item to be performed prior to that first open work item, not after it.

Thanks

Caroline