'Generally competent' professionals are easily replaced. 'Known for specific strength' professionals are sought after. Developing specific reputation — analytical thinking, exceptional communication, technical depth in specific area — creates career leverage.
How to develop one
Identify your genuine strength. Pursue projects that showcase it. Talk about it consistently in professional conversations. Become the obvious answer when that area comes up.
Five years of deliberate reputation building produces dramatically different career options than generic professional advancement.