[cmdrfred]

The only way I discovered is to not work with 'bikeshedding' types. Some people (typically people who contribute little else), have a propensity to do this when placed in leadership positions. They have to put their little mark on everything at the cost of everyone else's time. This I feel is the secret behind a lot of startups kicking incumbents ass in recent years, old school monolithic corporations are full of bikeshedding bullshitters.

[pawadu]

You can't always choose who you can work with. And quite often bikeshedding comes from your boss.

I found it more efficient to first make people familiar with the phenomena and when it happens in a meeting just tell them so. Surprising how well it works on most people.

[cmdrfred]

I have not had success with that method. You are probably a better communicator than I.