Ask how the other person works. If your colleague wants to achieve inbox zero every day, email is probably not the best way to communicate. Figure out how your colleagues and managers enjoy working and try your best not to interrupt their productivity flow. Your colleague may prefer you to ping her on Skype or stop by her office versus sending an email, for instance. Bending to other people's processes will position you as a team player, not to mention make it easier for you to push your own projects through.
3. Choose your battles. There is a cost every time you engage in a workplace conflict and it's usually time. Projects get delayed and workers become stressed. Decide what your priorities are and let everything else go—even if you know you're right. The key is to know when you should push an idea and when you shouldn't. High performers know success is less about proving themselves, and more about contributing to a shared vision. Relationships reign supreme.