Willingness to learn is important! I notice that it's easier to work with people who stay curious and see things as an opportunity to learn something new.

Amen to that my friend. Open minded people tend to be the curious ones. Even if I am diametrically opposed to someone's viewpoint, I will still listen and try to understand why they have the opinion they do and often learn something in the process. It's a pity world leaders don't behave similarly and maybe there would be less conflict and needless suffering.