Final answer:
The specific mistake made by Jim Collins in 1987 is not detailed in the provided reference, and without additional context, it is not possible to give an accurate description of the mistake.
Step-by-step explanation:
In 1987, Jim Collins, a researcher and author known for his work on company sustainability and growth, made a mistake. Unfortunately, the details of Jim Collins's mistake in 1987 are not provided in the reference "Mistakes were made (but not by me): Why we justify foolish beliefs, bad decisions, and hurtful acts" by Tavris and Aronson; hence, to give a precise and accurate answer, we would need more specific information regarding the nature of the mistake in question. Since this information is vital for a comprehensive answer, and accuracy is paramount in our responses, I cannot provide details of Jim Collins's mistake without the relevant context or factual data. However, if this is related to any of Collins's professional work or public events, it would be beneficial to look up articles, interviews, or other media from that period to get a clear picture of the mistake mentioned.