Why do RAID logs go stale?

A RAID log often goes stale when the process around it is disconnected from delivery work. Updates wait for meetings, owners and next steps are unclear, or important actions and decisions stay in notes, chat, and email.

What are common signs of a stale RAID log?

Look for entries without a current owner, next step, or review date; items that have not been confirmed by their owners; duplicate records; and status or risk scores that no longer match project evidence.

What should a team do when a risk becomes an issue?

Record the materialized event as an issue, update the risk response or status, and preserve the relationship and history so the project record explains what changed and how the team responded.

How is a stale RAID guide different from a maintenance guide?

A stale RAID guide diagnoses why the record stops reflecting project reality. A maintenance guide focuses on the routines teams can use to keep an active log current.

Why RAID logs go stale: where the process breaks down

Diagnose common RAID failure modes, from updates that wait for meetings to duplicate records and spreadsheet conflicts.

See how clear ownership, useful history, meeting follow-through, and connected status preparation help a RAID log reflect project reality.