Risk Descriptions that Work
The number of risks in a project or organization can range from a mere handful to a staggering multitude, each with its own unique level of detail. While a high-level description of risks may seem convenient, it often leads to response and ownership assignment difficulties. On the flip side, excessive detail can create a deluge of work and be overwhelming. So, how do you determine the right level of detail? Here are the three crucial components to consider.
Clarity. A risk should be described in plain, unambiguous language so that anyone reading it immediately grasps what could go wrong. Avoid vague statements like “something might fail,” which communicate nothing useful, as well as overly specific ones that distract from the real issue. A clear and focused description—such as “key design personnel might be unavailable”—ensures that the nature of the threat is easy to understand.
Actionability. Each risk should be written in a way that points toward possible responses. If you can’t imagine what action to take, the description is either too broad or too narrow. A well-phrased risk highlights what you can influence and encourages practical planning—such as resource backups, schedule adjustments, or process improvements—without bogging you down in detail.
Consistency. Finally, risks across your project or organization should be described using a consistent level of detail. This uniformity allows you to compare risks meaningfully, aggregate them for reporting, and maintain a coherent view of overall exposure. Without consistency, your risk register becomes uneven and confusing, undermining its value as a management tool.
Determining the appropriate level of risk detail is a crucial part of the risk planning process. Striking a balance between too little and too much is key, and you should consider the needs of those managing, owning, and receiving reports on your organization's risk exposure.
Risk Register by ProjectBalm is a proven tool that helps you capture risk information at any level.