May 9, 2025
One of the most overlooked aspects of consulting is preventing problems before they occur.
One of the key tools we use to do that is The RAIDD Log.
It’s a favorite tool for many of us in the consulting world.
About The RAIDD Log
So, what exactly is this tool?
RAIDD stands for Risks, Actions, Issues, Dependencies, and Decisions.
These categories help us track potential problems throughout a project, allowing us to stay ahead of complications rather than merely reacting to them.
Risks
First up, the risks.
Risks are potential issues that could delay or derail the project.
By identifying these potential pitfalls early, we dramatically increase our chances of project success.
Think of it as looking into a crystal ball to anticipate and prepare for what might go wrong.
Actions
Next, we have actions.
Actions are essentially a list of tasks that need to be done.
These are the concrete steps we’ll take to mitigate identified risks, resolve current issues, or manage those critical dependencies.
Issues
Then come the issues.
Issues are problems that need to be solved.
These could be risks that have unfortunately materialized or other unexpected roadblocks that pop up and require immediate attention.
Dependencies
Let’s talk about dependencies.
Dependencies occur when one team or workstream relies on another group to complete their work before proceeding.
For example, Team A can’t start their part until Team B delivers their component.
Tracking this is absolutely key to ensuring the project flows smoothly and avoids bottlenecks.
Decisions
And finally, decisions.
This is where we keep a clear record of important choices made throughout the project: what the decision was, who made it, and why.
This ensures clarity, provides a historical context, and maintains accountability.
A Consultant’s Go-To Tool
So, why do we consultants rely on RAIDD logs so much?
These components – Risks, Actions, Issues, Dependencies, and Decisions – are all different ways of communicating what problems could arise down the road, helping to drive a path forward toward solving them.
When you see a project that succeeds, it’s not just about building forward and keeping the trains running on time, but also critically about anticipating and avoiding potential problems that could emerge in the future.
Consultants both help maintain the status quo and move things forward, while spending significant time ensuring that risks, dependencies, or issues don’t derail the project.
The RAIDD log is central to this proactive and preventive effort.
Conclusion
In essence, the RAIDD log is a dynamic and indispensable tool that helps consultants and project teams stay proactive, organized, and prepared for whatever challenges may arise.
It’s a cornerstone of effective project management and a key part of that often unseen work that leads to successful outcomes.