In 1993, Levi 's hired Sibson & Co., a Princeton, N.J., consulting firm, to analyze the problems. Its conclusion, says Sibson consultant Peter LeBlanc: "Start from scratch" and involve all parties in a redesign of pay structures and work processes. But as Sibson began discussing the changes, some plant managers complained that the sessions were "at times too touchy-feely and not business-based enough," Mr. LeBlanc says in an interview. "It's extremely difficult to do. Some managers don't like having sewing-machine operators challenge their authority.