Osmeña is from Mars, Labella is from Venus

If you want debates, argumentation, sarcasm and quick repartee, fast talk and quick, on-the-spot decision and fast action, then Tomas Osmeña is your man. Upon the other hand, ironically, the lawyer is the less argumentative, Edgar C Labella, the perfect gentleman, diplomat and deep thinker, analytical and very consultative, the incumbent vice mayor is the epitome of human relations, public relations and diplomacy. Osmeña is like Gwendolyn Garcia, hot as fire and dynamic as lava. Labella, like Junjun Davide, is cool, like the cascading waters from an unpolluted brook or spring. You will never come out of the vice mayor's room with ruffled feelings. In the case of Tom, you may be getting a tongue-lashing if he feels you deserve it.

In the parlance of management gurus, the leadership style of Tommy Osmeña is Theory X, quite authoritative, could even be dictatorial if he thinks that he should make a quick and expeditious executive decision. He wants fast action and immediate results. He hates too much talk from others, he would rather do the talking being the head of the organization. This is nothing derogatory. This is pure analysis of leadership styles. Theory X people are results-oriented, have a deep sense of urgency, and hate wasting time. They want their ideas accepted by others and they have no propensity nor inclination to tolerate too much opposition. These people believe that they are the leaders and so they have been chosen to lead, make decisions and be responsible for all the consequences.

Upon the other hand, the leadership style of Edgar Labella is Theory Y, people-oriented, process-centered, very consultative, respectful of the opinions of others, and is willing to be opposed by underlings. People like Edgar values relationship more than passing accomplishments. They have deep respect for the feelings of others, and would always make sure that everyone is heard before a decision is made. Thy value the team and the goals of the group are more vital than individual ambitions. This leadership style is very well-suited in Philippine politics. People would love leaders like Edgar because he is very respectful, polite and humble. He never brags about individual merits but is always proud of the team that accomplishes the goals.

If we compare them to past leaders, Tom Osmeña is much more like Manuel L Quezon, and Edgar Labella, ironically is more like Don Sergio Osmeña Sr, Tom's lolo. Tomas is somehow like Ferdinand Marcos in firmness and boldness in decision-making. Labella is much akin to Cory Aquino, who values people more than claim for achievements. Tomas is like Gwen Garcis, quick temper, passion at work, fast decision-maker. Labella is like Davide, very cautious with words and actions, very careful with documents and decisions, and very sensitive to feelings and human behavior. Tomas belongs to the classic leaders. Edgar belongs to the humanist and the behaviorists.

People like Tomas would leave monuments of concrete infrastructures, like the pyramids of Egypt. Leaders like Edgar will live in the hearts of people whose lives they have inspired and touched. Men like Osmeña are the usual builders of the grandeur that was Rome. Icons like Labella always leave legacies like the glory that was Greece. Yes, Tomas is from Mars, Edgar is from Venus. If you need to wage a war, to Tom you should go. If you long for love, Edgar is the man for you.